The present invention includes an improved planter system that can be located in a variety of locations largely independent of available light and water sources. In at least one embodiment, the invention provides a self-contained planter system, having a water retaining box, an elevated first soil retaining box disposed above the water retaining box; and a drain portal in the soil retaining box adapted to drain into the water retaining box. A pump provides water recirculation from the water retaining box to the soil retaining box using water that drains from the soil retaining box into the water retaining box. A light mounted above the soil retaining box provides light independent of ambient conditions. The invention can also include a stacked array of soil containing boxes where excess water in a higher soil retaining box drains onto a lower soil retaining box and then to the water retaining box.