DIY Self-Watering Systems for Houseplants
Put empty soda and wine bottles to work in your indoor and outdoor container gardens. Convert them to self-watering devices to help keep your plants properly watered when you are out of town.
Thoroughly moisten the soil in the container. Then punch a hole in the soil large enough to accommodate the top few inches of the wine bottle. Fill an empty wine bottle with water, invert and place in the hole. The water will move from the wine bottle into the soil as the soil begins to dry.
A 2-liter soda bottle may not be as pretty, but it holds more water. Punch a small hole in the cap of the bottle. Fill with water, screw on the top, invert and set in the soil.
Or purchase one of the plastic or terra cotta watering spikes that attach to the soda or wine bottle, making it easier to install.
Always test your self-watering system before leaving town.
A bit more information: Terrariums are another way to reduce time spent watering. Use closed terrariums for tropical plants, like baby’s tears, palms and ferns. Open terrariums are a great way to grow and display cacti and succulents.
Related
Audio
Categories
Upcoming Webinars & Appearances
March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin
March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin
March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR:
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now
April 1, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin
April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR:
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now
April 11, 2023
Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR:
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited
Register now
April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now
April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL
April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI
Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND
Learn More