Taking the worry out of watering your plants
We are all guilty of neglecting our precious plants every once in a while. Even the most forgiving of houseplants can look a little worse for the wear after a week with no water, but what can you do if you are always forgetting to give your lovely leafy plants a drink when they need it?
Should you invest in one of those expensive self-watering contraptions in order to save the life of your plants? You should know by now that I am going to respond with an emphatic “no!”, but the good news is that there is another way.
Thankfully, I have come across a frugal solution that uses what I already have and still keeps everyone happy, plant and human animal alike.
If you have a plastic water or soft drink bottle, you have a frugal slow-release watering solution at your fingertips!
Here’s how I do it:
NOTE: It is important that your bottle have a plastic screw top lid.
1. Drill or nail a few small holes in the lid of your bottle.
2. If you are working with a plastic bottle, use a sharp knife to cut off the bottom of the bottle, making what appears to be a funnel shape.
3. Cut a small piece from an old pair of stockings and place it over the drinking end of the bottle, and secure it in place by reattaching the cap. This will ensure that no dirt or debris clogs up the holes you drilled in step one.
4. Place the inverted bottle into the pot with your neglected plant, burying the cap and another inch or so of the bottle to keep it stable.
5. Fill your new self-watering bottle with water and relax. The water will release slowly, keeping your plant well watered and happy.
This is an especially effective solution for people who are away from home for a few days at a time. In my case, I am growing tomato plants in 5-gallon buckets outside this year, and one of the easiest ways I have found to keep them well-watered is to use an old 2-liter plastic bottle. Since I have seen the occasional small bird stopping by for a drink or a splash, I am working on a DIY birdbath, since the cement option in my yard is cracked and will not hold water these days.
When I do it, you can bet it will find its way here, for all the frugal maniacs to enjoy!
May 20th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I love this idea! We have several plants that are on top of our kitchen cabinets - they look great up there, but get a bit neglected when it comes to watering. Now I have a solution - thanks!
May 20th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
You’re welcome! I always love giving advice to babes!
May 20th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
This also works as a slow release drip system for feeding lizards. Those watering jars are expensive at the pet store.
May 21st, 2008 at 1:01 am
Sandra, I hadn’t ever thought of that! Of course I haven’t thought about feeding lizards before, either.
Thanks for the tip!
June 3rd, 2008 at 6:31 am
[...] week’s edition! That’s right, Michael the Frugal Maniac has stepped up!, and the recent post “Taking the Worry Out of Watering Your Plants” has reached the frugal big [...]
June 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I’m so glad I ran across this page. We’re leaving town for a long weekend and I was worried about the new tomato and bell pepper plants we just bought last week dying if it didn’t rain while we were gone.
Thanks!
June 11th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I must be missing something! I tried this today as we will be gone for 12 days next month. I did all the steps per your list and the water poured into the plant, seeping out the bottom until the water bottle was empty.
What did I do wrong?
July 9th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
What is the purpose of cutting the bottom of the water bottle off, to make the funnel shape? I’m just wondering if more water would evaporate that way?
July 9th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
The purpose is to make it easier to add water to the container without the need to remove it over and over, but it is optional. I should have labeled it as such in the post.
Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Meg!
December 4th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
solid post , really good perspective on the subject and very well written, this certainly has put a spin on my day, many thanks from the USA and observe up the good work