The technique of drip irrigation using plastic bottles is a simple and effective way to provide plants with regular and economical watering. The main advantage of this method is its drip system, which allows the plants to receive moisture gradually and evenly. This is especially convenient for those who don’t have the opportunity to water their plants every day or who prefer an automated watering approach.
To start, you’ll need five-liter plastic bottles with lids. The number of bottles depends on the number of plants you plan to water. I usually use a bottle for 2-4 bushes, but you can adjust it according to your needs.
Using a fine drill with a diameter of 2 mm, drill two holes in the opposite walls of the bottle, located a couple of 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 how the water flows through the holes. If the flow is too strong, you can close the lids a little to reduce 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 a bottle for 2 shrubs. For tomatoes, if planted in two rows, you can use a bottle to water 4 shrubs in the middle between them. If the tomatoes are planted in a row, then two holes in the bottle are enough to water two plants.
The depth to bury the bottle depends on your preference, but on average it is about 7 cm from the lowest hole.
Finally, position the bottle so that the holes face the plants. Keep in mind that the lids should be tightly screwed on 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 will suffice. In the case of clay soil, it is recommended to drill 4 to 6 holes. It is also helpful to create a drainage layer around the bottle to prevent moisture retention.
When watering, pay attention to the condition of the soil. If it’s too dry, you can open the bottle cap to let the water drain faster. Then close the lid again to irrigate by drip.
However, remember that excess moisture and mulching can lead to slugs. Therefore, adjust the amount of humidity based on the needs of your plants.
