If you are the owner of a summer cottage or are planning to purchase one soon, you should understand that caring for a garden will then become a regular task.
Plants grown in the countryside need constant feeding, and it is not always possible to ensure timely access of water to the soil.
Practical water supply equipment for summer cottage- the simplest solution to the problem, but even this method has many disadvantages associated with the cost of equipment and volumes of fluid consumption. And watering with a hose requires effort, time, and - most importantly - personal presence. So how can you ensure the safety of your plants at all times?
One of the most effective ways, available to every summer resident - drip irrigation using plastic bottles. This mechanism provides continuous supply water in the right amount to each section of your garden. The implementation of this method will seem quite simple even for those who have not previously cared for plants.
Considering how many bottles are thrown away every day, finding all the necessary materials will be very simple and quick, and providing watering with bottles will not require much effort.
How to make your own drip irrigation from plastic bottles? The construction of such a system is done very quickly. All you need to do is collect enough plastic bottles to water tomatoes, cucumbers and other plants that have limited access to water at a certain time. Thanks to the variety of methods of such equipment, each of you will be able to choose the most practical option, and, if desired, decorate your garden.
Our article contains methods of drip irrigation and a video of drip irrigation of garden beds from plastic bottles with your own hands.
Do-it-yourself drip irrigation from plastic bottles, photo
Benefits of drip irrigation
A do-it-yourself drip irrigation system made from plastic bottles is one of the most famous options for caring for a garden. The popularity of this method is associated with a large number of advantages.
One of the most important advantages is possibility of organizing irrigation without experience in such work. Even a child can be tasked with creating a drip irrigation system from plastic bottles, since the preparatory work does not require much effort.
Other positive characteristics of such a system include the following capabilities:
- you can implement it yourself, without requiring additional help;
- acquisition necessary materials will not require high costs(typical for the purchase of modern drip installations), and in some cases, preparation may generally be free;
- when ensuring watering of beds using plastic bottles water flows to the roots of plants without spilling in the surrounding area and without creating the possibility of the formation of swampy areas that spoil the plantings;
- watering with plastic bottles is possibility of minimal but effective fluid consumption. Water will flow to the plants in the right quantity, which distinguishes such a system from more expensive ones;
- strictly defined humidity level, supported using this method, will allow you to create the maximum favorable conditions for growth, preventing decay processes, preventing diseases and other undesirable consequences;
- in the case where you do not have the ability to regularly monitor the irrigation process, homemade drip irrigation from plastic bottles will the best solution Problems;
- to install such a system no special skills or knowledge required, and the process itself will be quick and hassle-free.
Regardless of the size of the space, planting features, specific conditions climate and other factors, using plastic watering bottles will prevent many problems and ensure the safety of your plants.
Drip irrigation from plastic bottles, photo
Preparatory process
How to make drip irrigation from plastic bottles? First of all, stock up on the right amount of auxiliary materials.
In order to create a comprehensive irrigation system, you will need:
- empty bottles (choose the size of plastic containers depending on the type of plants and the expected watering time);
- ordinary stationery rods;
- a small knife (preferably a stationery knife);
- awl.
Some methods require the use additional materials: plasticine, foam rubber, matches and other items.
Before you start preparing containers, rinse the bottles thoroughly. All possible methods Drip irrigation from plastic bottles involves creating small holes to allow moisture to enter the soil.
Important! When using pen rods to create an irrigation system, take care to avoid any paste or caps.
At subsequent stages, depending on the specifics of the chosen method, the rod will be attached to the container and inserted into the soil, ensuring unhindered access of the liquid to the internal structure of the soil. This mechanism promotes the gradual entry of moisture, prevents excessive flooding of the site and maintains favorable conditions for growth.
Since you will not always be able to control the watering process, take care to securely fasten the structure: strong gusts of wind can break unstable containers.
Depending on the type of planting, choose the most suitable option. For example, watering a tomato through plastic bottles is done under the soil, while flowers can also be watered externally.
Common watering methods
Method No. 1
Features of the simple option drip irrigation at the dacha from plastic bottles is almost completely described in preparatory work. This method does not involve the use of additional materials: it is enough to cut a hole in the bottles to allow liquid to enter.
The stationery rod is closed on one side with a stopper. A small hole is cut 3-4 mm from the cork. The finished rod must be inserted into the bottle, filled with water and placed near the plant.
Method No. 2
To water the garden using plastic bottles, create a hole 20-25 mm from the bottom of the bottle: a rod will be attached to it, supplying liquid to the soil. The cork from the bottle is unscrewed, and the container itself is placed in the soil with the neck up.
Attention! When initially testing this method, it is recommended to monitor the process of liquid inflow: analyzing the rate of water inflow and the degree of its absorption into the soil will allow you to determine the required volumes of liquid and the need to create other holes.
By increasing the size of the hole, you can change the volume and time of water flow. Do not forget that in hot weather moisture will evaporate, so periodically add water to the installed container.
For uniform watering over 4-5 days, about 10 drops per five minutes are required. Of course, you will not achieve the desired results the first time, so check the speed and volume of irrigation at the initial stage of watering.
Method No. 3
Quite often, summer residents wonder how to make drip irrigation with their own hands from plastic bottles in flowerpots and boxes with seedlings? This method will not cause you any difficulties either. It is enough to secure the bottle next to the flower or plant in such a way that the liquid flows to the roots of the seedlings.
A small hole is made at the bottom of the bottle to allow moisture to enter. Then, using twine or wire, the structure is fixed at the desired height and filled with water.
Important! Despite the effectiveness of this method, it is not recommended to use it regularly. Watering plants using this method is suitable for those cases when you need to leave the dacha for several days.
Method No. 4
One of the most popular methods of do-it-yourself drip irrigation at the dacha from plastic bottles is the use of stable two-liter containers. In this case, the bottle is washed out, a small hole (0.3-0.5 mm) is cut in the lower part to allow air to enter, the container is filled with water and immersed in the ground with the neck down.
The soil will prevent excessive flow of liquid, and the size of the container will allow you to forget about the need for irrigation for a long time.
Attention! This method will only be effective if water can seep into the soil and the neck will not become clogged with soil.
Do not forget that the roots of the plants should not be damaged during this installation. For example, watering tomatoes using plastic bottles requires great care, since the roots of such plants are extremely susceptible to outside contact.
Method No. 5
To implement this method, you need to cut off the bottom of the selected container. Small holes are pierced throughout the entire area of the bottle, and the cap is screwed tightly to prevent excessive liquid inflow.
Advice: Depending on the nature of the soil, the number of holes will vary. For irrigating sandy soils, two holes are enough, and for loamy soils - from four.
The finished bottle is installed in the soil approximately 15 cm with the top down. If you want to prevent debris and soil from getting into the irrigation fluid, cover the cut portion or do not cut the entire length of the bottom of the bottle.
Do-it-yourself drip irrigation from plastic bottles for cucumbers can be done by piercing holes not in the bottle, but in the closed lid. In this case, the moisture will concentrate in a strictly established place, without spreading due to pressure.
In addition to watering cucumbers using plastic bottles, you can care for eggplants, peppers and tomatoes in this way.
Method number 6
The next option is suitable for those who do not know how to water the beds using plastic bottles without digging the container into the ground. Enough to take big bottle, fill with liquid and close with a piece of foam rubber from the neck side.
The finished container is placed next to the plant (closer to the root system) in a horizontal position. To allow air to enter, leave part of the bottle unfilled.
A video on how to make drip irrigation from plastic bottles will help you learn about the intricacies and details of this process and study the features in detail practical implementation proposed methods:
Skillful use of plastic bottles in the garden will allow you to save money by providing reliable and long-term protection for plants, regardless of the weather.
As a rule, large containers with a volume of one and a half to two liters are used for this purpose: this size is enough to provide the necessary nutrition to the plants even in your absence.
It is impossible to grow cucumbers without watering. Saturating plants with moisture is daily painstaking work. Make it easier to care for while growing healthy vegetables will help homemade design from plastic bottles for drip irrigation of cucumbers, which you can make yourself.
Drip irrigation is the organization of timely watering of plants using storage containers and water. Simple, effective method moisture supply directly to each sprout. Water passes easily upper layer soil, filling the roots with life-giving moisture.
Experienced gardeners know firsthand that a good harvest depends on the quantity and quality of timely irrigation. Cucumbers require warm water in large quantities. Drip irrigation will be an excellent help throughout the entire vegetable ripening season.
Water consumption for growing cucumbers is on average 5 liters per 1 m2.
Overwatering threatens the development of fungal diseases. The drip system is an alternative solution. Specialty stores sell a variety of prefabricated irrigation systems. They take time to install. Not everyone likes the pricing policy.
Install drip irrigation yourself using plastic bottles - a solution that does not require financial costs. Using available materials, it is easy to make such a system for anyone.
Advantages and disadvantages of a bottle watering system
All the pros and cons collected by gardeners will help you make sure of the need for such an installation on your site.
First, about the advantages of the bottle system:
- tangible saving water(a watering can or hose is used more);
- autonomous operation systems (you can safely leave the garden bed unattended for several days);
- versatility: the possibility of application does not depend on the type of soil, the method of growing vegetables (greenhouse, vegetable garden);
- availability of material;
- ease of installation and maintenance;
- targeted targeted moisture ingress;
- absence of hardened earthen crust around the plant;
- reducing the need to loosen the soil around the bush;
- slow evaporation of moisture (only on hot days will you have to monitor the condition of the plants: do they need additional watering);
- saving money;
- facilitating human labor;
- the top layer of soil is not washed away;
- roots get warm liquid(has time to warm up under the rays of the sun);
- simplification of application of fertilizing (only to seedlings).
Weeds rarely germinate in such an area.
A homemade drain system often gets clogged. To prevent such a situation, old nylon tights - best option creating drainage. The material does not rot in the ground and has excellent throughput.
Now let's talk about the disadvantages:
- frequent clogging of holes;
- the impossibility of using such a system on a large plot: a lot of containers will be required, the garden does not look aesthetically pleasing;
- limited volume liquids;
- difficult to use on heavy soils (bottles often become unusable when they become clogged);
- on hot days, plants receive little moisture from such a supply.
For cucumbers and tomatoes, drip irrigation using bottles will not replace a full-fledged one: Depending on the weather, the sprouts will need additional moisture.
Description of drip irrigation of cucumbers and tomatoes
Such a life support system for vegetables is entirely justified. It makes it easier to achieve good harvest cucumbers or tomatoes. There are many ways to install such a structure. Let's look at some of them.
Lid up
A universal option. Common among summer residents. Suitable for greenhouse and open area.
Craft diagram:
- Measure 3 cm from the bottom. With an awl, a gypsy needle (whatever is in the house) pierce holes lengthwise to the point where the narrowing begins. The number of holes depends on the type of soil and container volume. On average - 10.
- Make a hole near the bush so that the dishes fit up to the neck (the conical tapering part should protrude above the ground).
- Wrap the bottle in cloth, place it in the hole, fill it with water, and close it with its original cap.
When empty, plastic containers may shrink under soil pressure. This can be avoided by simply piercing the lid and replenishing the liquid in a timely manner.
Lid down
Cut off the bottom completely. Screw the lid all the way, pierce it in a circle. Bury the dishes near the stem without damaging the roots. Wrap with gauze to protect from debris.
Root watering
Choose small flasks - 1.5 liters. Pierce the lid with a hot needle. Place nylon fabric between the lid and neck and screw tightly. If this system is planned in advance, first dig the bottle halfway into the ground with the cut bottom up. Pour in the seeds and fill the container.
The seedlings are planted - no problem. The flask can be placed at a slight angle by pushing the neck closer to the roots. Cut the bottom accordingly as well, maintaining a certain angle (more liquid can fit in).
A more expensive option is to screw the lids instead special nozzles(sold at garden centers). It is convenient to stick them near the root. The downside is that a strong wind can overturn such a structure.
Another method of root moisturizing requires cocktail straws, juice. Place the container between two stems. It is measured from it required length to the root. One end of the tube goes inside the container. A plug is placed on the other. A tube is pierced from the bottom of the seedlings so that the liquid flows to the desired place.
Suspension
Suitable for a small bed of cucumbers hanging option. Make a frame of timber and wire along the row. Puncture bottles through hole on both sides. Thread the twine. Screw to the wire above the seedlings. Pierce the bottom.
Uniform moisture supply adjust with the required number of punctures. Make sure that drops do not fall on the leaves. Otherwise, a burn is guaranteed.
How to organize a system of plastic bottles in a country house or greenhouse
For a summer residence, larger containers should be selected. This will allow you to leave the area for longer, without fear that the bushes will die.
The experience of summer residents shows that liter bottle feeds cucumbers and tomatoes 5 days, three-liter - 10 , 6th – 15 .
Provided that there is accurate knowledge of the predominant type of soil. From it the calculated number of holes is calculated and the size of the container is selected. All that remains is to choose the appropriate option for installing drip irrigation. Prepare tools, materials, dishes. Take the time, install and enjoy the work done.
There are no boundaries for perfection. Having set aside a day to install such a structure, you can actually come up with your own version and you won’t have to water the plantings with your hands. The garden will thank you for your efforts with a generous harvest.
What is drip irrigation. This is a dosed method of watering, which is carried out directly under the root of the plant. Thanks to this irrigation, the root system receives required amount moisture. To create such structures, a minimum of effort is required, little water consumption, as well as low material costs. If you wish, you can make drip irrigation from plastic bottles with your own hands. This is an excellent alternative to more expensive systems. Everything is made very quickly and simply. It is enough to have the required quantity in stock consumables and only a few hours of free time.
Advantages of drip irrigation from plastic bottles
- Saves water by 2-3 times compared to other irrigation methods.
- Targeted irrigation supplies moisture only to the bushes of vegetable, fruit or ornamental crops - the weeds are left without recharge.
- Autonomy. You can leave tender, freshly planted pepper or tomato seedlings unattended for a week without them drying out.
- The soil does not harden or crust over, as with heavy watering.
- Drops do not fall on the leaves. The problem of plant burns in hot weather and fungal diseases or rot with regular evening watering is eliminated.
- Water does not flow into puddles and does not fall on the paths between the beds.
What plants can be irrigated using drip irrigation from plastic bottles
Today, summer residents use drip system watering in gardens and orchards, in greenhouses and open beds. + This method provides water directly to the roots of the plant throughout the growing season. With its help you can irrigate all vegetable and berry crops:
- Cucumbers;
- Potato;
- Tomatoes;
- Raspberries;
- Strawberries;
- Grapes, etc.
What is needed for drip irrigation from plastic bottles
To make your own drip irrigation from bottles, you will need:
- Knife for cutting containers. You can use scissors.
- Sewing needle for punctures. But it is better to use nails or an awl.
- Plastic bottles. For making drip irrigation, containers with a volume of 1 to 2 liters are suitable. If the system is installed under bushes or young trees, then you can use 5-liter bottles.
- Nylon tights. If necessary, they can be replaced with cotton material.
- Empty ballpoint pen refill.
Suspended drip irrigation method from plastic bottles
This watering option is more suitable for low-growing plants, such as cucumbers, for example, or greens (parsley, basil, lettuce). In order to implement such a system, you will need a base or frame made of wood or metal. The frame for bottles is made in the form of the letter “P” or “G” and is placed above the ground level at a height of no more than 50 cm, otherwise the drops will simply hit the ground, creating depressions and splashing heavily on the sides.
Bottles are selected in accordance with this parameter (their length should not exceed 40 cm). The number of containers depends on the number of plants that need drip irrigation– there is one bottle above each bush. It is best to hang a container of water so that the drops do not fall on the plant itself, but fall between neighboring bushes. This will avoid sunburn and various infections due to wetting of the green mass.
Holes are made in each lid, the size and number of which depend on the required intensity of watering - the more holes, the faster water will flow out of the bottle. Now you can cut off the bottom of the bottles and make holes near the cut edges. Through these holes the bottle will be attached to the frame with wire or rope. Drip irrigation is ready, water is added through the bottoms.
Drip irrigation method from plastic bottles and rods
This watering system can be made in two ways: by attaching the rod to the bottom of the bottle or to its neck. In the first case, the bottle can be installed on the ground without additional equipment; in the second, the process of adding water to the bottle is greatly simplified.
In any case, the first thing you need to do is prepare the rod. To do this, wash out the remaining ink from it (in the case of using ballpoint pen refills) and close one of its ends with a plug. To do this, you can use a piece of a match or a wooden toothpick. Using an awl, make a small hole 3-4 millimeters from the closed end.
Now, 1-2 centimeters from the bottom of our container, we make a hole into which we insert the rod. It is no coincidence that the word “container” is used instead of the word “bottle”, since depending on the manufacturing method you choose, the bottom of the container can be either at the bottom of the bottle or at its neck. If you have placed the rod at the neck of the bottle, then you need to screw it (the neck) with a cork. We cut off the upper part of the resulting container, and essentially the bottom of the bottle, using a knife or scissors.
It makes sense to “capture” 2-3 centimeters of its wall along with the cut off bottom of the bottle. By making a vertical cut on it, this part of the bottle can be used as a lid to protect the container from debris. Now fill the bottle with water and see how quickly the liquid flows out through the hole made at the closed edge of the rod. The optimal speed is 10 drops in 5 minutes. The finished system is installed near the plant, and the end of the rod is placed in close proximity to the root system. To do this, the container with the rod is attached to a peg of sufficient length using wire or tape. The free end of the peg is stuck into the ground next to the plant.
Underground drip irrigation method from plastic bottles
To organize watering using this method, you will need a plastic container with a volume of 1.5–2 liters. You need to make several holes in it with an awl or a gypsy needle at a distance of 3-4 cm from the bottom. The number of holes depends on the type of soil, for example, for sandy soil two will be enough, but for loamy soil you will have to make at least four holes. To water moisture-loving plants, small holes are pierced across the entire surface of the bottle. Dig the container between the plants upside down to a depth of approximately 10–12 cm, with the neck remaining above the ground. Pour water through it using a watering can and screw on the lid, in which you have previously made a hole for air to escape.
Another option is to bury the bottle in the ground, neck down, after making several holes in it and screwing the cap tightly. The bottom of the container is cut off in such a way as to form a kind of lid that will prevent water evaporation. This method of irrigation is more convenient, since the tank is filled with water through a fairly wide hole.
Drip irrigation from plastic bottles is an excellent irrigation method for those summer residents who do not want to spend money on installing a full-fledged system. It is cheap and combines all the qualities and advantages that conventional drip irrigation from plastic pipes with your own hands. As a temporary measure, such irrigation can be considered ideal. And you can also see how to build it in the video.
There are ways subsoil dosed irrigation, allowing for minimum quantity water deliver precious water directly to the roots, ensuring a continuous supply of moisture to the most various plants- flowers, bushes and trees.
Intrasoil watering is also preferable in greenhouses - it allows you to keep the surface of the ridge dry, weeds do not grow, the soil does not bake, especially if it is covered with mulch, it does not need to be loosened, as the soil breathes. Less fumes and less disease.
They especially love root watering tomatoes.
At plastic bottle(2.5 liters) the bottom is cut off by one third so that it can be used as a lid (the lid is needed so that the water evaporates less). The cork is screwed tightly, and in it drilled two holes with a diameter of 2 millimeters or burnt through hot nail (100-120) hole.
In general, the number of holes must be selected empirically, taking into account that To water one vegetable plant, an average of 0.25 liters of water per day is required.
The next step is to place the bottle directly near the root of the tomato or pepper. Best time installation - directly during landing. But don’t despair, it can be installed in a few weeks.
We retreat 15-20 cm from the tomato stem, carefully dig a hole 10-15 cm so as not to damage the roots of the tomato plant. Next, insert the bottle with the lid down at an angle of 30-45° and carefully bury it.
To prevent the irrigation hole in the cork from getting clogged (which happens especially often on heavy clay soils), place dry grass, burlap or fiberglass at the bottom of the hole under the neck of the bottle, or secure it all directly to the neck by pulling a nylon stocking over the bottle.
Watering is as follows: we walk through the beds and fill the bottles with water; when watering from plastic bottles, the water will slowly flow directly to the roots of the tomato. You can also feed the plant, saving fertilizer.
You can also use these bottles to water cucumber, pepper, eggplant, pumpkin and many other plants in your garden.
The method of watering from plastic bottles is suitable for those who cannot visit the garden or dacha every day.
If you use a purchased long plastic nozzle, you don’t have to bury the bottles. But in this case there is a danger that the bottles will be blown away by the wind.
Of course, many gardeners believe that an automatic drip irrigation system requires a lot of money, time and effort, and in general such a procedure is risky. That is why creating a semi-automatic watering system from plastic containers is optimal for gardeners who decide to save money. Such a device practically does not take much time, but costs mere pennies.
For watering in the greenhouse from plastic bottles you will need:
- A needle or awl, as well as scissors;
- Nylon or cotton fabric, gauze;
- Empty plastic bottles with caps;
- Shovel.
In many cases, a container with a volume of 1 to 2 liters will be required.
This volume is quite enough for 1.5-3 days of watering. It all depends on weather conditions and the characteristics of plant varieties. Sometimes you can use larger bottles, but you should understand that they will take up much more space next to the beds. Gardeners themselves choose what is more important: the area of the beds or the autonomy of watering the plants.
Stage 1. Wash plastic containers, erase labels from them, if any.
Stage 2. Using scissors, trim the bottom of the bottle by about 5 cm.
Stage 3. Use a hot awl or needle to make holes in plastic lids. The diameter and number of holes will determine the amount of liquid that will enter the soil.
Stage 4. In inner side put a piece of gauze on the lid. The fabric will act as a kind of filter and will not allow the holes to become clogged frequently. If there is no gauze, then you can use nylon or cotton cloth.
A mesh cloth should be placed inside the container to prevent clogging.
Stage 5. Dig holes next to the plant with the same diameter as the diameter of the container, approximately 10 or 15 cm.
Stage 6 - insert a container covered with a lid into the hole. We can assume that such an automatic drip irrigation system ready to use. Next, you should do similar actions with other bottles in the greenhouse.
Important! If you place bottles in the soil in this way, one problem may arise. From above, debris and particles of soil can fall into them. Gradually the hole becomes clogged and there will be a need to remove the container and clean the structure.
There are two ways to solve this problem: 
- The first way is to place plastic containers vice versa, i.e. upside down. Using this method, you need to make holes in the bottom, and protect the container on top with a lid from debris.
- The second way is to make voluminous nozzles on bottles.
There are two ways to improve the irrigation system:
- The first method is to replace all the holes on the lids with special droppers, which are sold in stores. Droppers They conduct moisture to the seedlings much better, and they also clog plastic bottles less.
- The second way is to run a hose from a water supply into the greenhouse with branches and insert containers into each of them. Thanks to this action, there is no need to refill the bottles yourself. You just need to open the valve and wait a certain amount of time.
DIY drip irrigation from plastic bottles It's not difficult to do. It is enough to familiarize yourself with the main technological stages. In order to properly make an irrigation system for cucumbers, tomatoes and others vegetable crops, grown in a greenhouse, you should look video instructions from experienced summer residents.
