Method 1: Slow-Release Watering Using a Buried Plastic Bottle
Materials Needed:
1. A large plastic bottle (2-liter size works well)
2. Marker
3. Sharp tool (awl or heated iron rod)
4. Water
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the Bottle: Clean the bottle and remove labels. Mark two lines on it – one approximately 15 centimeters from the bottom and another 10 centimeters from the neck.
2. Create Water Outlet: Make a small hole about 7 centimeters from the bottle’s bottom.
3. Fill the Bottle: Fill it with water up to the lower line and tighten the cap.
4. Place the Bottle: Dig a hole near the plant and bury the bottle up to the marked line, with the hole facing the plant.
5. Final Step: Fill the bottle completely, close the cap, and cover it with soil, leaving the neck exposed.
Method 2: Wicking System with a Plastic Bottle and Fabric/String
Materials Needed:
1. Plastic bottle
2. Cotton fabric or thick cotton string
3. Water
4. Sharp tool for making a hole
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the Bottle: Clean the bottle and make a hole in the cap.
2. Thread the Fabric/String: Cut a piece of fabric or string, thread it through the cap, ensuring it’s long enough to reach the soil.
3. Fill and Seal: Fill the bottle with water, replace the cap with the fabric/string, ensuring it’s saturated.
4. Position the Bottle: Place the bottle cap side down in the soil near the plant, with the fabric/string extending into the soil.