2 Liter self watering planter

Instead of having to buy the planter and the drip tray, turn your used 2 liter soda bottles into self waterers. This will work for all plastic bottles and milk jugs too.

First grab your supplies.

1 empty and clean 2 liter bottle

Scissors or utility knife

cotton wick ( I cut 18 inch strips of old cotton T-shirts)

Rocks

Alright lets begin....

Measure 4 inches from the bottom of the bottle and cut a straight line all around the bottle.

You will notice that the bottom has a little ridge, that is my water line. Right above this line cut a hole to fit your waterer.

 This is how you will deliver water to your beautiful plants.

Place a few rocks in the bottom. I usually just do 2 or 3.

Next string your wick through the bottle, leaving about 2 inches in the bottom well to soak up the water.

Place the top part of your bottle upside down in the well fitting between the rocks.

Plug the bottle opening loosely with the wick, leaving about 4 inches to thread through your soil to keep it watered.

 You will need to hold the wick staight up as you fill with the soil.

You are now ready to put your plant into your planter.

After planting your plant, water from top til you hear the water dropping in the bottom. Let sit for 30 minutes for the water to settle.

If you are planting seeds, never water from the top as your seeds will end up in the water well. Instead, water your soil before putting into planter and then fill water well.

Fill the bottom to the watering line ( remember the ridge).

Now enjoy the beauty of your plants.

The wick will keep your soil consistantly moist, if you have a plant that prefers dryer soil, you can omit the wick and the water will work its way up at a much slower and dryer rate.

I also start my seeds in these planters. after planting my seeds, I place a piece of plastic wrap taught on the top until my plants sprout. Its a mini greenhouse.