Potted plants should be watered regularly. If you don't have the time or desire for this, you can buy an irrigation system or build it yourself. A system like this can also be used for a (not too long) vacation.
How can I build an irrigation system for my potted plants myself?
To water potted plants yourself, you can use a PET bottle with a hole in the lid, thread irrigation with a water container and thick twine, or a water reservoir with a plant pot and clay granules. Test the system before your vacation to make sure it works.
Are there different watering methods for potted plants?
In the area of self-built irrigation systems, there are basically three different methods. They all work more or less with a water reservoir and are primarily suitable for short-term irrigation, for example for a not-too-long vacation.
Homemade irrigation systems for potted plants:
- Water storage
- String irrigation
- PET bottle with lid
What material do I need?
For the simplest method of watering, you only need an (old) PET bottle. You construct thread irrigation using a water vessel and a thick twine or wick. The water storage consists of a large plant pot (€75.00 on Amazon) or a zinc tub, each filled with clay granules and water. Inside is the planter, which has a hole in the bottom. These systems do not incur major costs.
How do I build the irrigation systems?
With the PET bottle, you just have to drill a hole in the lid and fill the bottle with water, then the system is ready for use. Insert the filled and well-sealed bottle upside down into the soil, as close as possible to the plant you want to water. Then secure the bottle from tipping over and your self-built irrigation system is ready.
If you decide to use string irrigation, then you will need a little space next to your planter. Fill a bowl or small bucket with water and place the container next to the container plant. Place one end of a thick thread in the water container and stick the other end into the soil right next to the plant. This allows the roots to suck in the water as needed.
Tip
Be sure to test before your vacation whether your irrigation system is working smoothly. If this is not the case, improve the system or ask your neighbor to take care of the potted plants while you are away.
