Q&A for How to Make a Drip Irrigator from a Plastic Bottle

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  • Question
    What's the benefit of using drip irrigation?
    Scott Johnson
    Landscape & Design Consultant
    Scott Johnson is the Owner and Lead Design Consultant for Concrete Creations, Inc., an award-winning landscape and design company based in the San Diego, California metro area. He has over 30 years of experience in the pool and landscape construction industry and specializes in large estate outdoor environment construction projects. His work has been featured in San Diego Home & Garden Magazine and on Pool Kings TV Show. He earned a BS degree in Construction Management with an emphasis in Architecture and CAD design from Northern Arizona University.
    Landscape & Design Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Drip irrigation is the least expensive way to water because it puts the water exactly at the root ball of the plants. To minimize water usage, try to use drip irrigation as much as you can.
  • Question
    Can glass bottles be used?
    Community Answer
    Plastic bottles are best.
  • Question
    Do I need to use a plastic bottle for each plant?
    Community Answer
    Not always. If you're watering circular, small or medium-sized pots, a bottle will do. If your pots are large and rectangle or square, basically having a large exposed area, you might want to consider the number of bottles according to distance and the amount of water all the plants need together. If you have garden plants with bases close to each other, you might want to install a bottle for every three square feet, adjusting the amount of water depending on the climate and the plants.
  • Question
    I have poked one hole into the bottle and filled it up, and it releases all the water into the pot within minutes. I wanted it to release slowly over 2 or 3 days. Any advice?
    Community Answer
    I'm thinking you probably haven't started with a well watered area. If it is too dry, it will suck the water up fast because it needs the water. But if that is not the reason, then it could be that the hole is too large.
  • Question
    How many times a day do I refill the bottle?
    Community Answer
    Check the bottle once a day to see if it requires refilling.
  • Question
    Can this be used for house plants with smaller plastic bottles?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can do that. It can be harder to fit in the pot though. Make sure to water your plant every few times a week.
  • Question
    What is the benefit of using the slow vs. quick release methods?
    Community Answer
    Slow release encourages continued, deep growth of the root system. Quick release will help if the plants have gotten very dry, but overall, the effect is much reduced.
  • Question
    How long will this bottle last for irrigating at one time?
    Community Answer
    As plastic is non-degradable, it would last for years. If you don't disturb it, it will last longer.
  • Question
    How long will a 2-liter bottle of water with holes in the cap provide water to the plant?
    Community Answer
    It should last about 3 days. Fewer holes in the cap will make it last longer.
  • Question
    If I use a plastic water bottle to soak the plant, will temperature changes cause the plastic to release toxic chemicals into the water?
    Community Answer
    Not unless it's exposed to extremely hot conditions, those close to 200 degrees F.
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