The Dearthbox: A low-cost, self-watering planter

Step 3 Cut the holes in the buckets

Cutting plastic kicks up a lot of little plastic dusty bits. Protect your eyes and nose and mouth accordingly.

For the big holes on the first bucket and the lid, start them with a drill, using a 1" masonry bit. Use the utility knife to widen the holes.

Cut drainage holes in the bottom of your first bucket, using a 1/4" diameter drill bit.

Next, cut the side drainage holes on the second bucket.

Remember, do not cut the side drainage holes in the bucket with the holes in the bottom.

You can smooth the edges with the file if you want.

Note that I don't have a picture of this process for the bucket lid, but you want to do the same thing for the pipe hole and the plant holes you marked in step 2 on the lid.

Comments

[nevroth]

For the bootleg people like me, you can heat a phillips screwdriver on a stove (that's on, obviously, lol), and then stab holes into the plastic. I anticipate using a flathead to make a larger circle, and just stab around the circumference. Worked like a charm when I recycled some kitty litter tubs into planters. Unfortunately I used both as planters, but I might buy two more just for the opportunity to convert to self watering tubs!

[merideth]

it's not a masonry bit it's a spade bit...worked great for me...fantastic project!

[jeff-o]

An even better bit to use is a "hole saw" which will drill holes 2" in diameter and beyond... expensive, though.

[gregr]

Why are you using a masonry bit?

[stephenniall]

metal bits or Wood bits if they have the sharp bit at the front will shatter the plastic