the cheapest, easiest drip irrigation system ever

[stankyoleman]

found this in my travels.... holy hell seems like it might be extremely well suited for small to medium grows or w/e

The last time I forgot to water my outdoor potted plants and discovered them completely wilted and hanging on the cusp of near death, I decided it was time to take action. Some of the plants on my deck receive a full, searing sun all day long during the hottest mid summer days. While these plants thrive under such conditions if properly taken care of, they will die quickly if they don't receive enough water. Although it has been unusually rainy this year in these parts, full sun deck plants will still get extremely hot and dry very quickly.
One of the best ways to provide a steady water supply to your plants without your constant attention is the gradual watering system or drip irrigation. Through this method a device is employed that slowly delivers water into the soil directly around the roots. Commercial watering spikes can be purchased from you local garden centre however, using recycled materials you can make your own drip irrigation system for free.
The materials you will need are as follows:

• 1. 2 litre plastic soda bottle or water bottle that still has the lid
  2. drill and small drill bit
  3. sharp knife
  4. cutting surface

Drill 4-8 small holes into the cap of the plastic bottle. If you want it to drip slower use less holes, faster use more holes. Don't make holes that are too small, they will become clogged up by debris. Remove the bottom of the bottle by cutting vertically across with a sharp knife. I find a serrated knife works well. Removing the bottom of the bottle creates a funnel for you to easily pour water into. The wide mouthed opening will also catch some water when it rains.
Dig a hole next to a plant or in between a grouping of plants that is deep enough to bury at least one third to one half of the bottle. If you position the bottle in amongst a grouping of plants it will be hidden from view. Place the bottle in the hole with the cap side down and secure it into the hole by pressing dirt around it. This will ensure that your bottle stays in place. Pour water into the bottle until it is full. You can add fertilizer to the bottle every few weeks so that your plants are fertilized right at the roots.

You will need to fill your bottle when it is empty, once a day or less depending on how much direct, hot sun your plants receive. Make several bottles to place in all your large containers or next to plants in your garden such as tomatoes that require a lot of water.

[Green First]

Ya i've seen that method done before. Looks ok, but you still have to water the plants once a day. How is that benefical

I'm looking for a drip system that can water my plants for 2 weeks or a month, can anyone recommend any ideas Something that is cheap and easy to make.


Thanks

[pungent]

Originally Posted by Green First

I'm looking for a drip system that can water my plants for 2 weeks or a month, can anyone recommend any ideas Something that is cheap and easy to make.

Ya, I'd be hella interested in that too. I think any large resevoir could have a gravity drip system that would work. The key is to release the resevoir contents slowly enough that it lasts a couple weeks. I suppose it could just be a matter of finding a small enough emitter, but that could take alot of testing to get right and might be prone to error? Dunno...

[Green First]

This is what I want to use and I'm sure there is many Outdoor growers that have done this before. If so could you please help me with what else I need to get started and instructions on how to make and set up this idea would be really helpful. Mucho thanks.

[NadicusMaximus]

Why cut some some flexible 1/2 pcv plumbing and attach one end as low on the container as you can and cork off the other end. Then put those little copper self piercing valves (made for running to icemakers for your fridge) along the length of your 1/2 pipeline everywhere you want to drip water to. You can adjust these valves dude. Think of the possibilities.

ever thought of a small electric pump you could get a small solar panal for the top of the rubbermaid containers....... just a thought!

Andrew

[alice D]

in my flower garden i have a tubed drip system with 1/8 in tube and drip nozzles i bet if you could find a way to make it gravity feed it would release for a week or two depending on your garden size

[pungent]

Originally Posted by AndrewBud

ever thought of a small electric pump you could get a small solar panal for the top of the rubbermaid containers....... just a thought!

one of my friends recently bought a small fluorescent light that is solar powered from harbor freight. he mounted the light in his shed and put the solar panel on top and it works great. it isn't a very bright light at all, but when it is pitch black outside it is enough. anyway, i say all this to say, he bought that thing for less than $20 so solar panels can't be that expensive if you find the right place to buy from. maybe i'll look around this week. haha, my whole house will be solar powered next week probably.