How to make your own Automatic Watering System for Potted Plants and Cut-Offs

Going on vacation and worried about your plants getting enough water while you are gone? Planting a cut-off outside in the heat of summer and not sure it’s getting enough water? This incredibly simple procedure, using an empty 2-liter bottle, will provide ample water for your plants for up to a week.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Empty bottle
• Needle
• Pliers
• Lighter/Candle

1. 

   Wash out an empty 2-liter bottle. While any plastic bottle will work, I find a standard soda bottle works best. I also prefer to use green bottles, as they are less obvious in a garden setting. If you use soap, be sure to rinse until the water is clear.

2. 

   Holding a sewing needle or straight pin with a pair of pliers, hold the sharp end over a flame. I use a candle so that my hands are free.

3. 

   Once the needle is heated, push it through the center of the cap -- this will be where the water drips out as needed. Reheat and push it through the center of the base of the bottle -- this will allow the air flow to equate as water drips out.

4. 

   Fill with water and turn up side down. Push the lid an inch into the dirt near the root system of the plant. Outside, during the summer, the bottle may empty as often as every two days. Inside, I’ve had it last up to a full week.

[Psalmist4M]

on 4/21/2009 Interesting, I think the "Automatic Watering System" is a creative idea. The use of the pin to create the water holes in the plastic is smart. I may try this indoors. 5*s

[Vanillatte]

on 4/16/2009 What a great idea to water your plants while away. It's so easy! Thanks!

[turtledove]

on 4/15/2009 I think I'll give this a test run before I go on vactation. What a simple, inexpensive "Automatic Watering System" this is. Thanks. 5*

[chevee]

on 4/15/2009 Great Article for an automatic watering system, I wish I had know this before I bought those plant nursery items.

[taskeinc]

on 4/15/2009 This is a great idea, I am a plant lover, horticulture is my passion and it never dawned on me to use a bottle to water plants while away .. thanks for sharing.