Plants don't have to suffer if you go on vacation.You can keep them hydrated with a plant waterer that is made from a glass bottle.If you have a smaller pot, you can use smaller bottles.This article will show you how to make a plant waterer.It will give you ideas on how to decorate it.
Step 1: There is an empty wine bottle.
You can use another empty glass bottle if you can't find an empty wine bottle.The larger the plant, the bigger the bottle you will need.You can use any sauce bottle, such as hot sauce or soy sauce.There is a Carbonated water bottle and an Olive oil bottle.
Step 2: Put the cap or cork away.
You will use this later.It's possible to make it work with a bottle that doesn't have a cork or cap.Click here to learn how to turn the label from your bottle into a plant waterer.
Step 3: You can clean the inside of the bottle.
The bottle should be filled with hot water and dish soap.Put the bottle down and shake it.After a few minutes, open the bottle and pour the soapy water out.Pour the water out of the bottle.Continue until the water runs clean and there are no soap bubbles left.
Step 4: Start by filling a sink with water.
It is more likely to have more space if you use the kitchen sink instead of the bathroom sink.If you don't have enough room in your sink, use a large plastic bin or bucket.Leave the label on.There are wine bottles with interesting labels.It can be left on your bottle for an interesting look.Keep reading if you want to remove the label.
Step 5: Add up to 1 cup of washing soda to stir.
You can use less washing soda if you are using less water.The washing soda can be dissolved by stirring the water with a spoon.
Step 6: Leave the bottle in the water for 30 minutes.
Wait until the bottle fills with water and sinks.You want it to be completely dry.The hot water and washing soda will make it easier to remove the glue on the label.
Step 7: Remove the label from the bottle.
The label should be taken off by itself.You may have to pull it off if not.Once you have the label off, dry the bottle with a soft cloth.You can clean it off with rubbing alcohol or acetone.Rub the paper towel with alcohol or acetone until there is nothing left.
Step 8: Take the padding out of the cap.
It might be easier to poke the hole into the cap.Place the tip of a flat-tipped screwdriver between the padding and the inside of the cap.Push down on the handle.The padding will pop out.You can use a craft knife if you don't have a screwdriver.
Step 9: Put the cap on a piece of wood.
You should be facing the top of the cap.The wood should be facing the bottom of the cap.If you punch the hole too deep, your table or work surface will be damaged.An old cutting board can be used instead.
Step 10: The cap should be between your fingers.
Put on a pair of gloves if you are worried about hurting your fingers.
Step 11: Use a hammer and nail to punch a hole.
Put the nail in the center of the cap.Keep it between your thumb and forefinger.Hit the nail with a hammer.When you are done, remove the nail.
Step 12: Use a drill instead.
It will be more effective on plastic caps than on metal ones.Hold the bottle cap between your fingers and hold the drill tip against the top of the cap.Push down lightly on the drill until the tip goes into the cap.Pull the drill out of the hole.
Step 13: Use a damp cloth to wipe off any messes.
If you used a hammer and nail, you may have some dust, but if you use a drill, there may be more.Use a damp cloth to wipe the top and inside of the cap.This will help keep the water out.
Step 14: The cork can be soaked in hot water for 10 minutes.
If you try to make a hole in the cork, you may be able to prevent it from crumbling.
Step 15: Attach a hole to the cork with a corkscrew.
When opening a wine bottle, place the corkscrew tip on the top of the cork.The corkscrew has a metal spiral that goes through the cork.Take the corkscrew out by twisting it.You can put the cork in the bottle.The neck of the bottle helps keep it steady.
Step 16: Use a long screw instead.
Attach a screw to the cork with a screwdriver.Make sure the screw goes all the way through the cork.The screw should be removed by twisting the screwdriver in the opposite direction.
Step 17: Try using a drill.
Place the cork between your thumb and forefinger and hold it down.Put the tip of the drill against the cork to turn it on.Press down on the drill until the tip goes through the cork.Pull the drill out of the cork when you are done.
Step 18: Dust should be removed from the hole.
You can blow into the hole.The water can flow through the hole if you place the cork under it.It will help prevent clogs later on.
Step 19: A circle is cut out of fabric.
The base of the bottle can be used to trace a circle.This will be attached to the bottle opening.wire mesh can be used instead of fabric.Try using cotton.The water won't pass through the thick fabric if it is linen or canvas.
Step 20: The bottle should be filled with cool water.
Plants can be added into the water at this point.Don't fill the bottle all the way, just to where it starts to narrow.
Step 21: The fabric should be placed over the bottle.
The circle should be centered over the bottle's mouth.
Step 22: Take the edges down and secure them.
The fabric circle should be pressed against the bottle's neck.Just below the lip, tie a piece of string around the neck and fabric.Use a rubber band or twist tie if you don't have string.Pull the string and fabric off when the bottle is empty to refill it.Put the fabric and string back on after refilling the bottle.
Step 23: Get a plastic plant stake instead.
They are made for wine bottle plant waterers.They can be found in the garden section of a home improvement store.Place the wine bottle into the soil with a stake.You don't have to keep the original cork or cap.You don't need fabric or mesh.There are plant stakes labeled as "Wine Bottle Plant Nanny Watering Stakes."
Step 24: Put water on the cap or cork of the bottle.
Don't fill the bottle all the way.Just where the neck begins to narrow is where you should fill it.You can put some plant food in the bottle.
Step 25: You can choose your plant.
If you have a tree, you may need to make a second bottle.
Step 26: The soil needs to be wet.
The water in your bottle will empty if the soil is too dry.
Step 27: If you want the bottle to go, make a 2 inch deep hole in the soil.
The bottle may break if you don't make the hole first.The soil may be forced into the bottle opening.The hole in the flowerpot should be close to the edge.The bottom of the pot should point away from the rim to make the hole at an angle.This will allow you to place the bottle against the edge of the pot.Make a hole if the bottle's neck is shorter than 2 inches.
Step 28: Put the bottle into the hole by turning it upside down.
Push the bottle until it doesn't go in any more.The bottle's mouth should be pressed against the ground.If the bottle breaks, consider wearing work gloves.
Step 29: Look at the bottle to see if there are any issues.
If there is a change in the water level, take the bottle out and try again.The bottle mouth doesn't seal against the soil.
Step 30: When the bottle is empty, refill it.
If you are going away on vacation, this bottle is ideal.
Step 31: Glue the bottle on the marbles.
You can find them in arts and crafts stores.They can be found in the fish department of a pet store.If you want to stick the marbles on, spread a thin layer of glass adhesive, such as E6000 or Weldbond onto the bottle.Work from the base of the bottle to the top.The neck should be left uncovered.The glue needs at least 24 hours to cure.Hold the marbles in place with masking tape if they keep sliding.Place a piece of masking tape over the marbles.The sides of the bottle have tape on them.Consider using gemstones or sea shells.
Step 32: Glass etching cream can be used to create designs.
There is a stencil on the bottle.You can find glass etching cream in the glass and mosaic section of an arts and crafts store.Wait 15 minutes, or the amount of time recommended on the label, then wash it off.Pull the stencil off when you are done.You can use glass stencils to create designs.Letter stickers can also be used.There will be a frosted area around the stickers.The area will be clear.
Step 33: Use chalkboard paint to paint the bottle.
Rub the bottle with rubbing alcohol to clean it.You can hear the spray paint rattling if you shake it.Hold the can 6 to 8 inches away from the bottle and apply a light coat of paint.Wait for the paint to dry before applying a second coat.Allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours.Rub a piece of chalk over the entire surface toprime the chalkboard paint.You won't be able to see inside the bottle, so write down the last time you filled it on the chalkboard.
Step 34: To make a label, use bottled chalkboard paint.
Attach masking tape to the bottle.To paint over the square, use chalkboard paint and a paintbrush.Before applying more layers, let the paint dry.Once you are done painting, remove the masking tape and allow the paint to cure completely.You can prime the paint by covering it with a piece of chalk.On the label, write down the name of the plant.The bottle can be used as a plant marker.
Step 35: The bottle should be filled with marbles.
Flat-backed marbles are less likely to fall out of a bottle.They help regulate the water flow and add color to the bottle.