If you’re passionate about gardening and focused on sustainability, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a high-tech watering system. With a little creativity and some recycled materials, you can build effective and eco-friendly watering solutions. These DIY systems are great for small spaces and especially useful if you’re going to be away for a few days. Me and my fiance, Iasmina already made all of them and I must say that they all serve their functions very well.
Here are three easy, sustainable watering systems you can make at home:
System 1: The Simple Plastic Bottle Watering Can
Materials Needed:
- Any size plastic bottle
- Nail & Hammer
Instructions:
- Take your plastic bottle and remove any labels. This will prevent them from clogging your system.
- Use a nail and hammer to carefully puncture several small holes in the bottle cap. The size and number of holes will determine the flow of water, so adjust according to your plants’ needs.
- Fill the bottle with water, screw the cap back on, and use it to water your plants. The holes will allow a gentle, controlled release of water, ensuring your plants get the moisture they need without waterlogging.
This method is incredibly simple and cost-effective, and it makes use of materials that would otherwise be discarded.
System 2: The Terracotta Olla
Materials Needed:
- Terracotta pot
- Blue Tack
- Terracotta saucer
Instructions:
- Take a terracotta pot and place it inside a terracotta saucer. Use blue tack to seal any gaps between the pot and saucer. This creates a watertight seal that will prevent leaks.
- Bury the pot in your garden or plant container, leaving the rim above the soil. Fill the pot with water, and as the soil dries, it will draw moisture from the olla, providing a steady supply of water to your plants.
This system is great for ensuring your plants receive a slow and steady supply of moisture. It’s particularly useful for larger plants or garden beds.
System 3: The Self-Watering Pot
Materials Needed:
- 2L+ size plastic bottle
- Wick material (100% cotton works best)
- Growing medium
- Water
Instructions:
- Cut the bottom off the plastic bottle and remove any labels. Make sure the bottle is clean.
- Thread a piece of cotton wick through the bottle’s neck. The wick should reach the bottom of the bottle and extend a few inches beyond the neck.
- Fill the bottle with water and bury it in the soil of your plant pot or garden bed, with the wick in the soil. The wick will draw water from the bottle into the soil, keeping your plants hydrated.
This self-watering system is perfect for smaller pots or containers and ensures that your plants receive consistent moisture.
Creating a DIY watering system is both a sustainable choice and a fun project that can help you save money. Whether you’re repurposing a plastic bottle into a basic watering can, using a terracotta olla for slow release, or setting up a self-watering pot, these systems are both effective and easy to make. They’re particularly handy for keeping your plants hydrated when you’re not around.
Happy gardening!
