How to Make a Pole for Watering Potted Plants Out of PVC Pipes
Keeping potted plants indoors helps clean the air, produce oxygen and even improve emotional and mental health. Several self-watering systems are available to ensure plants always have enough water. However, instead of paying for such a product, make your own using a scrap piece of PVC pipe. The self-watering pole provides a constant supply of water to the plants. Excessive watering is not a problem because the plant only absorbs as much water as it needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Measure the height of the container to determine the length of pipe needed. The pipe should be half the height of the container, plus 6 to 18 inches to protrude out of the soil, depending on the container size. Use your own judgment, but keep in mind that the longer you keep the pipe, the less often you will have to fill it with water.
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Draw a line on the pipe to indicate where the top of the soil will be when the pipe is inserted into the soil.
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Cut the PVC pipe to the desired length with a hacksaw.
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Mark a 45-degree angle on one end of the pipe and cut along the line with the hacksaw. The angle doesn't need to be precise.
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Drill approximately five staggered drain holes through the pipe on the angled end, ensuring that the holes do not extend above the soil level mark.
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Push the watering pole into the soil until it reaches the soil level mark; the angled cut makes it easier to push through the soil.
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Pour clean, lukewarm water directly into the watering pole and replenish as the water is absorbed by the plant. As the soil dries, it releases oxygen into the pipe, which forces water into the soil until no more oxygen is released and the plant is sufficiently watered.
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Tips & Warnings
Use smaller diameter PVC pipe for small pots and larger pipe for large pots.
You can paint the pole with a custom design if you don't like the look of white PVC; just remember not to paint below your soil level mark.
Adjust the size of the drill holes according to the size of the pipe and pot. Holes are optional but help distribute the water through the soil more quickly.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
