Don't let your beloved plants suffer while you go on vacation and have fun. You can still meet the water needs for plants by making a plant watering can from a glass bottle. Wine bottles can hold a fair amount of water, but if you have a smaller pot, use a smaller bottle. In this article you can see the steps needed to make a watering can from a glass bottle and ideas for decorating it.
Step
Part 1 of 6: Preparing the Bottle and Removing the Label
Step 1. Find an empty wine bottle
If you can't find an empty wine bottle, use another glass bottle. Remember that the bigger the plant or flowerpot, the bigger the bottle it will need. Here are some types of glass bottles that can be used:
- Bottle of sauce, such as chili sauce or soy sauce
- Soda water bottle
- Syrup bottle
- Olive oil bottle
- Vinegar bottle
Step 2. Remove the bottle cap or cork and set aside
If the bottle doesn't have a cap or cork, you can still use it. Follow these steps to remove the bottle label, and then click here to learn how to turn a bottle into a plant watering can.
Step 3. Clean the inside of the bottle
Fill the bottle with hot water and a few drops of liquid dish soap. Put the cap on the bottle, then shake the bottle. After a few minutes, open the bottle cap and drain the soapy water. Rinse the inside of the bottle. Refill the bottle with water, shake again and discard the water. Do this process several times until the rinse water is clear and there is no more soap residue.
Step 4. To remove the bottle label, first fill the sink with water
We recommend using a kitchen sink, not a bathroom sink, because it is likely to be larger in size. If the sink is not large enough, use a basin or bucket.
Consider not removing the label. Some bottles of wine have labels with beautiful designs. You can leave the label on to make the bottle look more attractive. If you choose to remove the label, keep reading
Step 5. Add 1 cup (about 180 g) of washing soda to the water and stir
If you use less water, reduce the amount of soda ash you use. Use a spoon to stir until all the soda ash is dissolved.
Step 6. Soak the bottle in water and let it sit for 30 minutes
Hold the bottle under water until it is completely filled and submerged. The bottle must be completely submerged. While you're waiting, the hot water and soda ash will dissolve the glue used to attach the label, making it easier to remove.
Step 7. Remove the bottle from the water and remove the label
The label should come off on its own. If not, you'll have to pull it off. Dry the bottle with a soft cloth after the label has been removed.
If you still see glue residue on the bottle, clean it with rubbing alcohol or acetone. Moisten a piece of paper towel with rubbing alcohol or acetone, then scrub off the glue residue until it's gone
Part 2 of 6: Setting Up Close
Step 1. Consider removing the plastic or foam padding from the base of the lid
This will make it easier for you to drill holes in the lid. Slide the tip of the flat-blade screwdriver between the edge of the bearing and the inside of the cap. Gently press the screwdriver handle. The bearing will be pryed off.
If you don't have a screwdriver, you can use a knife
Step 2. Place the lid on a piece of wood
The top of the lid is facing up. The base of the lid should stick to the wood. This will help protect the surface of your desk or workspace so that it doesn't get damaged when you drill holes in the lid too deep.
You can also use an old cutting board
Step 3. Hold the cap between your fingers
If you're worried about hitting or hurting your fingers, wear work gloves.
Step 4. Make a hole in the center of the lid using a nail and hammer
Take a sharp nail and position it in the center of the cap. Hold the nail in place with your thumb and forefinger. Hit the top of the nail with a hammer. Remove the nail once the hole is formed.
Step 5. Consider using a drill to drill holes
Keep in mind that this method is more effective for punching holes in plastic caps and less effective for metal caps. Simply hold the bottle cap between your fingers, and place the drill bit on the top of the cap. Turn on the drill and push gently until the drill bit penetrates the cap. Turn off the drill and pull the drill bit from the hole you just made.
Step 6. Wipe off the dirt with a damp cloth
If you use a nail and hammer, there may be little or no residue, but if you use a drill, some dirt may form. Just use a damp cloth to clean the inside of the lid. This will prevent the mouth of the hole from getting clogged.
Part 3 of 6: Preparing the Cork
Step 1. Consider soaking the cork stopper in hot water for 10 minutes
This will prevent the cork from crumbling when you try to punch holes in it.
Step 2. Make a hole in the cork plug with a cork
Place the end of the cork against the top of the cork as you would if you were opening a bottle of wine. Keep turning the corkscrew until the threaded wire sticks through the cork at the other end. Rotate the cork in the opposite direction to remove it from the cork.
You can put a cork plug in the mouth of the bottle to do this step. The neck of the bottle will help hold the stopper firmly as you punch the hole
Step 3. Consider using long screws
Use a screwdriver to turn the screw through the cork. Make sure the screw goes through the cork from one end to the other. Turn the screwdriver in the opposite direction to remove the screw from the cork.
Step 4. Try using a drill
Place the cork stopper on the wooden plank and hold it tightly with your fingers. Position the drill bit on the top of the cork and turn on the drill. Gently press the drill bit until the drill bit penetrates the cork at the other end. Turn off the drill and pull it out of the cork once the hole has formed.
Step 5. Remove dust from inside the hole
You can blow a hole or put a cork under the faucet and let the water run through the hole while cleaning it. This will help prevent the opening from clogging the next time the bottle is used.
Part 4 of 6: Preparing Bottles Without Caps or Corks
Step 1. Cut the fabric in a circle
Use the bottom of the bottle to draw a circle on the fabric. Once cut, the cloth will be attached to the mouth of the bottle to prevent clogging. In addition to cloth, you can also use mosquito net.
Try to choose a light fabric, such as cotton. Thick fabrics such as linen or canvas are too thick and difficult for water to penetrate
Step 2. Fill the bottle with cold water
You can add a little fertilizer if needed. Do not fill the bottle to the brim, just up to the base of the neck of the bottle.
Step 3. Place the cloth over the mouth of the bottle
Make sure the circle is right in the middle of the mouth of the bottle.
Step 4. Fold the edges of the fabric and secure
Press the edge of the fabric so that it folds into the neck of the bottle. Wrap the string around the neck of the bottle, just below the lip of the bottle, so the fabric doesn't slide. If you don't have a rope, use a rubber band or wire tie. If the water in the bottle runs out and you need to refill it, simply pull the string and remove the cloth. Fill the bottle, then snap the cloth back into place.
Step 5. Consider purchasing a terracotta or plastic plant stake
This plant stake is conical in shape and designed for watering plants from empty wine bottles. You can get them at plant nurseries. Place the support in the ground, and place the wine bottle upside down in it. You don't need a cap or cork stopper. You also don't need a cloth or mosquito net.
You can also buy plant stakes under the “Plant Nanny” brand via the internet
Part 5 of 6: Assembling All the Parts
Step 1. Pour water into the bottle and attach the cap or cork stopper
Do not fill the bottle to the brim. You simply fill it up to the base of the neck of the bottle. Add a little fertilizer if necessary.
Step 2. Select plants
If the plant is very large, such as a tree, you may need a second bottle.
Step 3. Make sure the soil is moist
If the soil is too dry, the water in the bottle will run out quickly.
Step 4. Dig a hole about 5 cm deep where you will insert the bottle
If you don't dig a hole first, the bottle may break. In addition, soil can enter through the mouth of the bottle and clog the water.
- If you want to use a bottle to water a potted plant, dig a hole near the edge of the pot. Try to dig the hole at an angle so that the bottom of the bottle leads to the rim of the pot. This will allow you to stick the bottle at an angle towards the rim of the pot.
- If the neck of the bottle is less than 5 cm, you can dig a shallower hole.
Step 5. Turn the bottle upside down and stick it into the hole you dug
Push the bottle until it can't be pushed any further. The mouth of the bottle should be firmly planted in the ground.
Consider wearing gloves when sticking the bottle into the ground in case the bottle breaks
Step 6. Check the condition of the bottle to see if there is a problem
If you see bubbles or the water level changes, remove the bottle and try again. This can happen if the mouth of the bottle is not properly attached to the ground.
Step 7. Refill the empty bottle
This technique is perfect for those who often forget to water their plants, or if you want to go on vacation.
Part 6 of 6: Decorating the Bottle
Step 1. Give a touch of color to the bottle by gluing flat marbles
You can buy the flat marbles that are usually used to fill these vases at a craft store or at a fish or pet store. Apply a thin layer of glue, such as E6000 or Weldbond, to the bottle and attach the flat marbles. Do it gradually, starting from the bottom of the bottle up. No need to decorate the neck of the bottle. Wait at least 24 hours for the glue to dry.
- If the bottle doesn't stick well, try using tape to hold it in place. You simply glue the tape over the marbles. Glue both ends of the tape to the sides of the bottle.
- Consider using other objects, such as colorful stones or shells.
Step 2. Use glass etching powder to create the pattern
Glue the stencil pattern to the bottle. Apply a thick layer of glass etching cream (you can buy it at arts and crafts stores). Wait 15 minutes, or the time recommended on the package, then rinse. When you're done, remove the stencil pattern.
To create a design, you can use a self-adhesive stencil pattern for glass. You can also use letter-shaped stickers. The area around the sticker will be sprinkled with glass etching. The area covered by the sticker will remain clear
Step 3. Paint the bottle with chalkboard paint
Use fine sandpaper to scrub the bottle body, then wipe it clean with rubbing alcohol. Shake a can of chalkboard paint until you hear a tickling sound. Hold the can about 15-20 cm from the surface of the bottle, and apply a thin, even coat of paint. Wait for the paint to dry before applying a second coat. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before applying the primer.
- To apply a primer to chalkboard paint, rub a piece of chalk over the entire surface, then wipe it off with a rag.
- Since you won't be able to see inside the bottle, consider writing the date you last filled the bottle on the surface of the chalkboard.
Step 4. Use bottled chalkboard paint to create labels
Make a rectangular pattern on the bottle with masking tape. Apply chalkboard paint to the square with a brush. Allow the paint to dry before applying the next coat. When you're done, remove the tape and allow the paint to dry completely. Apply primer by rubbing a piece of chalk on the surface of the paint, then wipe it off with a rag.
Write the name of the plant or herb on the label. The bottle will double as a plant marker too
Step 5. Partially fill the bottle with decorative marbles
Use flat marbles, not round marbles, because the chances of the marbles rolling out of the bottle are relatively small. Marbles not only serve to add color to the bottle, but also help regulate the flow of water.
