A container system providing ideal watering and aeration conditions for growing plants comprises a tray having a bottom surface. An insert with an upper surface and a lower surface is placed in the tray forming an upper space above the insert for the addition of a growth medium, and a lower space below the insert forming a water reservoir. One or more perforated baskets extending from the lower surface of the insert and into the water reservoir draw water from the reservoir and into the growth medium. At least one aperture in the insert is coupled to a perforated post to provide air circulation to the growth medium. A port may be provided through the insert enabling an inverted water vessel to be coupled to the port to provide water to the water reservoir. The various components may be provided in the form of a kit assembled by a user.