I had made some self watering planters from storage containers but now I start to realize that it might be a good idea to provide insulation either on the outside or inside of the container. We have had a very hot summer and the soil may have become too hot and water may also have evaporated too fast. Only now, Sept.1, 2010 does the zucchini I planted in there start producing a zucchini. Before it would form a little zucchini but then just shrivel up. I wrote about these self watering planters earlier.

It's been a hard summer on all home gardeners from what I've beeen readng. Now that the temps have started to cool off a little, some plants are bouncing back and producing again. I don't think insulation on the planter would help. I think if you want to do anything, you need to supply shade to keep the sun from evaporating the water so quickly.