May 20 2008
Frugal Living Tip of the Day for May 20, 2008
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 to enjoy!
