Turn Your Plastic Bottles Into Self Watering Plant Containers

Maybe in another 50 years, plastic bottles will no longer be manufactured. Plastic bottles are not sustainable. Yes, we can recycle plastic bottles; however, have you ever thought of upcycling your plastic bottles? Our goals should always be reduce and reuse * whenever possible, even if it takes a little more effort.

I have found a fun way to upcycle plastic bottles by transforming them into self-watering plant containers. Not only does it put the bottle to good use, these containers are fun to make, and they also provide you with herbs, flowers and whatever else takes your fancy.

All my adult life, I have been a keen gardener. I am currently living in an apartment with three balconies, and that is fortunate as I love my plants. I also love to grow from seeds and propagate. With these cute plant containers, you will be able to have a windowsill filled with beautiful home-grown plants. And, even if you consider yourself a person who can't grow anything, think again because these little beauties are self-watering.

You will need:

• Sharp knife to cut the plastic

• Plastic bottles (washed)

• String

• Hessian

• Craft glue

• Pebbles

• Potting Mix

• Seeds or seedlings
  

Step One:

Carefully cut plastic bottle as shown. Note the top of the bottle will be where you add the soil and seedlings. It will fit inside the bottom of the bottle facing downwards.

Step Two:

I used self-adhesive hessian strips and worked from the bottom of the bottle up. You can also use string if you are using string or a combination of both. For string, add the glue to the bottle and work up winding the string around the bottle. If the top is not even with the string/hessian, then carefully trim the plastic with scissors.

Step Three:

Repeat the process with the top half of the bottle.

Step Four:

Cut a small piece of hessian enough to tie some string around as shown and to cover the spout of the top of the water bottle. The string passed through the spout to absorb water which will keep the soil moist. The hessian is to keep the soil from falling through the spout. Fill the top with some soil and seeds. Dampen the soil with some water to settle the seeds in place.

TIP: I save seeds from my vegetables and herbs. I let them dry out and then plant. Chilis, coriander, basil, capsicum etc are good examples.

Step Five:

Place a few pebbles in the bottom of the bottle for weight. Fill the bottom of the bottle with water and place the top half of the bottle (spout faces downwards) into the bottle. The string will sit in the water to absorb the water into the soil.

That's it!

These containers are perfect for growing herbs or establishing seedlings.

Upcycling your bottles is a rewarding way to help the environment and stock your kitchen full of beautiful herbs. To make it more economical, keep an eye out for bargain shops that sell craft materials.

As well as making a garden for yourself, these self-watering plant containers make beautiful gifts. You might even become more productive and sell them at the local market! I'm sure with a little imagination you will find many ways to use your plastic water bottles and turn them into vases or other ornaments for the home using these tips I've shared with you in this post.

An alternative is to use wine bottles to make self-watering plant holders; however, cutting glass is more tricky and needs more care. You can DIY or buy a bottle cutting kit * to make it easier.

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