From the page: The Tetra Pak gives much more than it seems
Idea 1
Self-watering planter
Self-watering imitates the principle of the famous clay pots with a reservoir used since ancient Egypt: the plant draws water as it needs it. Here, capillarity — the force that makes water climb through a porous material, like wicks and soil — does the work, avoiding both excess and lack of water.
What you need
- A clean Tetra Pak carton (1 liter or more)
- Craft knife or scissors
- Cotton wick (or strips of cotton fabric)
- Small pebbles or expanded clay
- Soil (substrate) and your seedling or plant
How to make it
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1
Wash the carton well inside and cut it at half its height, leaving a larger part for the substrate and a smaller one for the water reservoir — the division is the heart of the system.
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2
Make a small hole in the cap or in the bottom of the top part and thread the wick through, leaving a tip of about 10 centimeters inside the bottom part — it will be the bridge that carries the water up by capillarity.
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3
Place pebbles in the upper part, before the soil, to help with drainage and keep the soil from sinking down and clogging the wick.
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4
Fill with soil and plant your seedling, settling the roots in nicely.
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5
Pour water into the lower reservoir until it covers the tip of the wick and watch during the first days — moist soil is the sign that it's working.
Finishing touches
Paint the carton or cover it with glued twine so it looks pretty on the windowsill. Ideal for mint, basil and parsley, which love constant moisture.
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