We’ve found the solution to help make the best out of your small outdoor area by using vertically-growing plants!
All it takes are some soda bottles and drip irrigation technology so read on below how to get started.
Follow these 4 easy steps given below, and learn how to do it:
Step #1
First, make the base for the tower by cutting where the label ends of a soda bottle. Then discard its bottom curve.
Insert two drainage holes on opposite sides of the bottle, about 3 inches from the cap. The hole should be smaller than a Bic ball-point pen in diameter to prevent soil leakage.
Put potting mix into bottle and press down lightly with compost on top leaving an inch space at the top.
Tie bottom of tower onto supporting structure such as fencing or wire mesh.
Step #2:
Build the tower levels
Just like you did with the base, now cut off of the bottle at its bottom and discard cap.
Put soil in it just like for your previous level – reserve 1 inch space at the top, then case on top of previously made layer tying them together tightly afterwards.
Then, repeat this two more times depending how tall want it!
Step #3:
Create a drip-irrigation system
Cut the bottle in half, halfway up toward the top. This will be shorter than other bottles and serve as your water funnel.
Now place it on top of your tower with soil from around it underneath to create roots for growth.
Using another knife or tool, cut an opening into this second bottle (the one you’ll use to pour watering).
Now, put the watering bottle on top of the funnel and I recommend you to tie it well if you can.
Step #4:
Planting and growing
Now that you have your seeds ready to go, it’s time for planting.
All seedlings need a lot of water and sunlight so they can grow into healthy plants, which is why this step will require a bit more attention than the other steps in our plant growing guide – but don’t worry! We’ll show you what to do with each one as we get there.
You should cut 3 lines in each soil by using a box cutter, similarly as if you are drawing the top and the sides of a square.
Preferably do not cut bottom but fold down the flap. Poke a hole, insert seedling or seeds into it & fill the water bottle every couple of days as needed and you will be good to go!
If you need some ideas for what to plant, here are a few easy starters.
Some of these vegetables and herbs work well: arugula, lettuce, dandelion greens (taraxacum,) beets, radishes, beans, or peas.
Also try out various flowers like marigolds and zinnias (they’re both great). Or, how about some herbs like mint, oregano, basil, etc? Sounds yummy!
If the watering bottle stops dripping, check its cap’s drainage hole. Add sand to slow down the drip rate so that it can efficiently water your plants.
Make a vertical garden with soda bottles and free yourself from grocery stores! You will need 5 or more two-liter soda bottles, a box cutter or knife, scissors, twine or baling wire (about 3 feet), chain link fence/wire frame/other supporting structure and three (or more) seedlings.