If you’re heading away for a few weeks or just want a hands-off way to keep your garden hydrated, there’s a clever trick that uses something you already have at home. With just a plastic bottle and a little setup, you can keep your plants watered for up to a month without buying any fancy tools.
This method works great for both outdoor and potted plants and can be set up in just a few minutes.
What you’ll need
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One empty plastic bottle (like a 1.5 or 2-liter soda bottle)
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A sharp object like a needle, nail, or small screwdriver
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Water
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A shovel or trowel (for outdoor use)
How to make your DIY slow-drip irrigation
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Take your clean plastic bottle and poke a small hole about 5 to 7 centimeters up from the bottom. You only need one small hole—just enough to let the water drip slowly.
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Fill the bottle with water and put the cap back on. You can leave it slightly loose if you want to increase airflow and speed up the drip.
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Dig a small hole near the base of your plant, deep enough to bury the bottle upright with the hole below soil level.
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Place the bottle in the hole and pack the soil around it tightly. Make sure the hole is facing the plant roots.
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Refill the bottle every few weeks, depending on the size of the plant and the heat in your area. In many cases, one full bottle will last up to 2–4 weeks.
Bonus tip
For even longer-lasting moisture, you can add a layer of mulch around the plant to help hold the water in the soil.
This method is perfect for travel, forgetful waterers, or gardeners who want a backup plan during hot weather. It’s cheap, simple, and surprisingly effective.