The technique of drip irrigation using plastic bottles is a simple and effective way to water the plants regularly and economically. The main advantage of this method is the drip system, which allows the plants to receive moisture gradually and evenly. This is especially convenient for those who do not have the opportunity to water their plants every day or who prefer an automated watering approach.
To start, you will need five-liter plastic bottles with lids. The number of bottles depends on the number of plants you want to water. I usually use one bottle for 2-4 bushes, but you can adjust it according to your needs.
Using a fine 2mm diameter drill bit, drill two holes in the opposite walls of the bottle, a few centimeters from the bottom. Make sure the holes are the same diameter and the same distance from the bottom. This will ensure an even flow of water.
Then fill the bottles with water, open the lids slightly and see the water flowing through the holes. If the flow is too strong, you can close the lids a little to relieve the pressure. Make sure the caps are screwed on tightly to prevent water leakage.
You can now dig bottles between the plants at a distance of 3-5 cm from them. If you have cucumbers, peppers or eggplants, use one bottle for 2 bushes. For tomatoes planted in two rows, one bottle will allow you to water 4 bushes in the middle between them. If the tomatoes are planted in one row, two holes in the bottle are enough to water two plants.
The depth at which the bottle should be buried depends on your preference, but on average it is about 7 cm from the bottom hole.
Finally, position the bottle so that the holes face the plants. Remember that the lids should be screwed tightly so that the water flows slowly and nourishes the soil.
The number of holes in the bottle depends on the properties of the soil to retain moisture. If the soil in your garden is sandier, a few holes are enough. For clay soils, it is recommended to drill 4 to 6 holes. It is also helpful to put a drainage layer around the bottle to prevent moisture retention.
When watering, pay attention to the condition of the soil. If it is too dry, you can open the bottle cap to allow the water to drain more quickly. Then close the cap again to water them with a drip.
However, remember that excessive moisture and mulching can lead to slugs, so adjust the humidity to suit your plants’ needs.
