Recycling materials to use in my garden has been one of my main goals to create a sustainable space in the middle of the city ever since I started growing food in an urban space. However, not everyone has a garden, and this is why I have created this blog tip to help you grow food on a balcony, terrace, etc. by simply recycling plastic bottles of any size.
Being creative is very useful in gardening. Imagine turning something as ordinary as a plastic water bottle into a beautiful hanging pot for your favorite plants. By repurposing plastic bottles into plant pots, we not only reduce waste but also give these bottles a new life, adding a touch of green to our garden and surroundings.
Getting Started
To create your DIY hanging pots, you’ll need a few basic supplies:
- 2 x plastic bottles (I used 5L bottles) HDPE 2
- Pyrography pen
- Compost mix
- Natural Twine
- Seed or Plant
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Cut the top of your plastic bottle
- Remove the cap and make holes for drainage over the top part (neck) of your bottle
- Make 4 x holes around the top part of the body of the bottle opposite to each other
- Make 2 x holes at the bottom for drainage (keep a 3-4 cm gap from the bottom)
- Put the neck of the bottle upside down inside the body of the bottle
- Fill up with compost and plant your seed or plant
- Cut 2 x natural twine pieces of the same length
- Run 1 piece through 2 x holes of the same bottle and 2 x holes of another bottle and repeat on the other side
NOTE: make sure to select HDPE 2 plastic as it is the safest to use in the garden, heat and cold-resistant.
Best Plants for DIY Hanging Pots
Not all plants are suitable for hanging pots, especially those made from recycled bottles. Here are some plants that thrive in this type of environment:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): The spider plant, known for its air-purifying properties, is a low-maintenance option that grows well in hanging pots. It’s ideal for beginners and gives a pop of green to almost any space.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): With its hanging vines, English ivy makes an ideal choice for hanging pots. It’s a resilient plant that can survive low light levels, making it perfect for indoor gardens.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos, another excellent air-purifying plant, is easy to care for and grows well in hanging pots. It can handle a wide range of light situations, making it a great option.
- Ferns: Ferns, such as the Boston fern, offer an air of style to hanging pots. They thrive in humid areas, so they’re ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
Final Thoughts
DIY hanging pots made from recycled bottled water are a fantastic way to add greenery to your home while reducing waste. It’s a fun project that anyone can do. It’s also one of the ways you can form a bond with your family and friends while doing something for nature. So if you’re looking to liven up your small balcony, add something green to your fence, or simply want to try this project, you’ll never go wrong with these DIY hanging pots.
Happy growing!
