Homemade Automatic Irrigation Plant Containers
Making a DIY Self-Watering Planter with a Plastic Soda Bottle
For those who love plants but are often away from home, a self-watering planter made from a plastic soda bottle can be a lifesaver. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create one.
First, gather a clean plastic soda bottle, preferably between 1-2 liters in size. Next, cut the bottle roughly one-third from the top, separating it into two parts. Invert the top portion (the spout side) into the bottom part so it acts like a funnel.
Thread a wick, such as a cotton rope or thick string, through the bottle neck. One end should be inside the top inverted part, while the other should extend into the lower part of the bottle that will hold water. This wick will draw water up to the soil, keeping your plant hydrated for days without watering.
Fill the bottom part with water. Then, fill the top inverted bottle with potting soil and plant your seedling or plant. Optionally, you can drill some holes in the bottle cap for additional water flow.
Alternatively, you can fill a bottle with water, drill holes near the top, invert it fully, and plunge it into the potting soil. This allows water to slowly seep out as the soil dries.
To make the planter look more elegant, you can use a white cotton T-shirt strip of approximately 1 by 8 inches. Cut this strip and thread it through the bottle cap. This strip will serve as the wick and also add a touch of style to your DIY planter.
Four to five small holes should be drilled in the bottom half of the soda bottle for air holes. Water is added to the bottom section of the plastic bottle, below the air holes.
This cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easy-to-make solution is perfect for busy plant lovers or when away on vacation. Happy planting!
[1] Source: DIY Network [2] Source: Gardening Know How [3] Source: HGTV [4] Source: Instructables [5] Source: The Spruce
- This self-watering planter, ideal for plant enthusiasts who are frequently absent from home, can be a great addition to a home-and-garden lifestyle.
- With a few simple materials like a plastic soda bottle and a cotton T-shirt strip, you can easily create a stylish and functional lifestyle accessory for your home-and-garden space.
