When we have a garden or houseplants, it is difficult to be away for a long period of time. Indeed, some plants like humidity and need to be watered regularly. Without watering, they can dry out and wilt, especially in hot weather. So that this question of watering no longer worries you, why not make self-watering pots? We tell you more in this article.
Plants need to be watered regularly, otherwise they wilt. So that your plants never lack water, especially your seedlings, you can make self-watering pots.
How to make a self-watering pot from a plastic bottle for your seedlings and plants?
Take a clean, dry plastic bottle and cut it 2/3 from the base, using a sharp knife. Both bases will be used to prepare a self-watering pot.
Unscrew the cap and drill a hole in the center. Take a piece of string the same size as the bottle, fold it in half, and pass it through the hole. Tie the end inside the cap and screw the cap back on. Fill the bottom part of the bottle with water, then turn the top part of the bottle upside down, cap side down , and insert it into the bottom part. Make sure the string is soaked in water. Fill the top of the bottle with potting soil, and plant your seeds. Thanks to this tip, you will quickly obtain young shoots. In fact, the plastic bottle helps maintain heat , like a greenhouse would do. As for the string, it keeps the soil constantly moist. Your plants will thus be able to grow, without suffering from drought, even if it is hot.
You can transplant your plants into the ground or into pots, provided that the plants reach around 10 cm in height. The season must also be suitable for planting.
Furthermore, the self-watering pot is not suitable for all plants. Indeed, those who do not like having their roots constantly wet risk suffering from excess humidity. This is also the case for succulents which have a limited need for water. Indeed, these succulent plants have the capacity to store water, thanks to their fleshy tissues. They can survive in dry and arid climates. On the other hand, plants that require frequent watering, such as geraniums and rose bushes, will do well in a self-watering pot.
To keep your plants hydrated even while you are away, you can consider another solution: making an automatic watering system that allows drip irrigation, from a plastic bottle.
How to install drip watering from a plastic bottle for your plants?
Take a 1.5 L plastic bottle for potted plants, or 5 L for your garden or vegetable garden plants. Unscrew the cap and pierce it in the center. Then fill the bottle with water and replace the cap. All you have to do is turn it over and push the neck into the ground. This drip irrigation must be installed a few days before your departure. This will allow you to check the flow of water and, if necessary, modify the opening of the hole. In addition, this drip irrigation, also called micro-irrigation, is an economical watering system.
What are the tips for successful watering of plants?
When you have a garden or simply indoor green plants, it is important to pay attention to the foliage of the plants. The condition of the leaves allows you to know if the plant is being watered too little or too much. Excess water can also be fatal for your plant. Its leaves soften and turn yellow. Also, the roots suffocate and rot. Not to mention that excess humidity encourages attacks by insects and parasites. Hence the importance of removing stagnant water from the saucer or pot cover after each watering.
In the event of water stress, plant foliage may turn yellow. The leaves become sagged, and may curl on themselves, depending on the variety.
It is also advisable to adapt watering according to the needs of the plant and the seasons. Plants actually need less water in winter than in summer. To know if you need to water your plant, check the substrate; if it feels dry to the touch, the plant needs water.
And finally, always water your plant with water at room temperature, preferably non-calcareous, such as rainwater. Very cold or hot water can cause thermal shock to the plant and damage its root system.
Thanks to these easy tips, your plants will never be dehydrated!
