I read about a SIP, or self watering planter in Family Handy Man April 2012. There planse we expensive and compicated. These were easy and fun to make. I like the I dea of using 50% to 90% less water, and only watering once a week.
I added a post down the middle to help with bowing.
I found 5 foot cedar fence posts for $1.28 at orange. Including glue and screws $10. I have the palsit lininn, the withe piping on hand. HTe drain pipe was $6. for a total of $16.
Orange had a 2 x 2 plastic Self watering planter $30, big savings
I say starter only if you are not ripping, but using 1 x2 's