Using Recycled Bottles to Drip Feed

Here's one of those tips you receive from a source, and you think to yourself, Gosh, that is genius, how did they come up with such a simple, yet effective idea!  Well, here is something that is so doable, that also makes so much sense!  

Using plastic water or soda bottles, you pierce a few holes or openings to allow water to seep through gradually. Next, dig a hole deep enough to slip in the bottle. This hole should be positioned directly next to a plant or near several plants that have deeper roots, or require deep watering. The bottle acts as a drip irrigation system, supplied from above the level.

I chose to use smaller plastic bottles. In some cases, you can also use a large, 2 liter soda bottle. It depends on the space you are working with, and the size and water demands of your plants.

If you have seedlings that are still growing, as in my case,  place smaller bottles while you continue to hand water your plants, or until those seedlings grow large enough to require deep watering. In the interim, seedlings should adjust to the watering source that sits near them, and then greatly benefit from it!



Source: Self-sufficiencymagazine.com

Instead of trying to "punch" holes, I used small scissors to carefully 'score' along the grooves or indentations on the bottom and sides of the bottle. This makes it easier to cut openings.

When done correctly, the groove should give with a firm scraping from the scissor's edge.



Choose several grooves along the bottle and make 1 inch slits.



Remove the paper label off the bottle



Dig a hole deep enough for the bottle to sit comfortably.



Keep the mouth of the bottle visible, about an inch above soil level.  



Start watering!



Place several bottles in the areas you think will use most deep watering.