Bottle Herb Garden – a Recycling Project.
Intro: Bottle Herb Garden – a Recycling Project.
Many similar ideas exist. I want to show you how to recycle 2l soda bottles and make a herb garden. The main idea here is that you water from the top and the excess water runs into the 'pot' below and so on. If you build one similar in size to mine you should be able to move it around or transport it easily. It also takes up very little space as it stands almost straight up.
STEP 1: Hardware:
1)2l soda bottles.
2)Scrap wood, bamboo sticks, PVC or similar for frame.
3)Wood screws.
2)Scrap wood, bamboo sticks, PVC or similar for frame.
3)Wood screws.
STEP 2: Tools:
1)Knife to cut tops off.
2)Drill press / hand drill to drill holes through the bottle neck and to screw frame together.
3)Screwdriver.
4)Hand saw to cut scrap wood to size.
2)Drill press / hand drill to drill holes through the bottle neck and to screw frame together.
3)Screwdriver.
4)Hand saw to cut scrap wood to size.
STEP 3: Cut Soda Bottles.
Cut top of bottle off as shown.
STEP 4: Drill Soda Bottles.
Drill bottle neck as shown.
STEP 5: Build a Frame.
Build a frame to hold your bottles as shown in the two sketches. Note that the opening of the lower bottle must be screwed to the top bottles' neck. I have not used any measurements because you can make your own custom size. I have made a 5 column X 3 row frame. This could be made to any configuration.
STEP 6: Screw Bottles on Frame.
Screw bottles on frame.
STEP 7: Stones, Potting Soil, Planting and Watering.
Put stones in the bottom of each neck for drainage. Fill with potting soil. Plant seeds or seedlings and water.
Good luck.
Good luck.
66 Comments
grannyjones 8 years ago
I love the idea of duck tape. It comes in so many pretty colors.
thailemai.nadasan 8 years ago
i did with a self watering wicking method using the bottom of the pet bottles as a water reservoir. its kind of cool. I drilled the bottom bottles to the wooden frame and then placed the top part of the bottle filled with the soil and seeds. this way you only need to fill the bottle as and when you need it. its really a cool idea. thanks to "bottle Herb garden", Jack.
cathydp464 9 years ago
The smaller 1/2L water and soda bottles would make a very compact herb garden to sit on a window ledge...
Wild_Bill49 11 years ago
kirnex 11 years ago
An idea for anyone not liking the raw look of the plastic bottles: hot glue some sheet moss to them. It will also help to prevent algaenation in the soil (that green growth in the soil due to light exposure).
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this!
FATHER T 14 years ago
EarthGoddess 14 years ago
ac-dc 13 years ago
pravs2k 13 years ago
ac-dc 12 years ago
My point is that ideally the surface treatment will not be porous.
pravs2k 12 years ago
The surface treatment is not porous.When you decoupage using paper or fabric it is sealed with a sealant like mod podge.Give it a couple of coats at least. If you are leaving it out in the sun, use outdoor podge. Use polyurethane after the podge coating if you want a stronger sealant .Please wait for it to dry completely between coats. It is now water proof .
As for how often I water - depends on the plant.When you feel it's drooping, leave the container in a bowl with water coming a little above the hole on the side. Water will seep in through the hole .
I did sent an instructable with pictures explaining the method but it doesn't seem to have gone thru. Will try once again.Meanwhile I hope this makes sense.Please read my comment given on April 3,2011.
DIY-Guy 11 years ago
Regarding decoupage, is polyurethane expensive to use as a coating? Would something like a soda can or other canned food can be cheaper or better in any way?
pravs2k 13 years ago
lkhintonsr 11 years ago
aperkins01096 12 years ago
rewand324 12 years ago
Gurra 13 years ago
Spokehedz 13 years ago
paxdonnaverde 12 years ago
ac-dc 13 years ago