How to Make Your Own Drip Systems

A drip system is a convenient way to deliver water and moisture to plants throughout the day when you're not available to water them yourself. It can be beneficial during hot weather, when plants are more likely to lose moisture and wilt. Making your own drip system to irrigate your garden doesn't always require an elaborate array of tubing and timers. If a drip irrigation system kit seems too confusing, make a simple drip system out of a leftover plastic bottle or bucket.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bottle or bucket
• Knife or drill
• Fertilizer (optional)

Instructions

1. Use a knife to cut a hole about the diameter of a pencil into the bottom of a large plastic bottle. This can be a leftover soda bottle, milk container or juice bottle. For larger plants that require more water throughout the day, use a large bucket. Drill a hole about the diameter of your finger into the bottom of the bucket.

2. Dig a hole into the soil within six inches from the plant. Dig the hole large enough to accommodate the size of the plastic bottle or bucket and deep enough to reach the roots of the plant without making contact.

3. Set the plastic bottle or bucket into the hole next to the plant and fill it with water. The water leaks out of the hole in the bottom of the plastic bottle or bucket and the soil acts as a sponge, retaining the water in the container until the water that has already dripped out soaks down into the soil to the roots of the plant. Such a drip system conserves water compared to watering plants with a hose, which wastes water because of runoff.

4. Refill the plastic bottle or bucket as often as necessary depending on how much water the plant requires to stay healthy.

Tips & Warnings

• Continue your normal routine of watering the plants for the first week, but water less each day to accustom them to the drip system.

• Keep the top of the plastic bottle or bucket open and in a convenient place to catch rainwater if its position relative to the plant allows.

• Add fertilizer to the water to further nourish the plant.

References

• You Grow Girl: Make Your Own Pop Bottle Irrigation System
• Jason's Indoor Guide to Organic and Hydroponics Gardening: Hydroponics Growing Systems One By One
• Lowe's: Drip Irrigation