From the page: Glass that was waiting for a second chance
Idea 1
Self-watering seedling planter
The self-watering planter is an old technique for those growing in small spaces: water rises through the substrate by capillarity, the same movement that makes a wet paper towel "pull" liquid. This way, the plant drinks when it needs to, without soaking the roots — which breathe better because the excess flows down and stays at the bottom. Those who travel or forget to water find a silent ally here.
What you need
- Cut PET or glass bottle (see the glass idea for cutting glass, or use PET to start easy)
- Cotton wick or thick cotton string
- Fertilized soil and a seedling (basil, mint and chives love it)
- Small pebbles or expanded clay
How to make it
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1
Cut the bottle in the middle (or use the top part inverted inside the base, in the PET case). The top holds the plant; the bottom stores the water.
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2
Place the top part inverted, with a hole in the cap or the wick going through the cap. The wick is the bridge that carries water up by capillarity.
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3
Line with pebbles, fill with soil and plant the seedling. The stones keep the soil from draining into the water.
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4
Fill the base with water until it covers the wick. The plant will "drink" slowly, at its own pace.
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5
Refill the water every one or two weeks, depending on the weather.
Finishing touches
paint the outside with glass paint to block light and keep green algae from growing in the water. Herbs are the happiest plants in this system.
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