Self-Watering Container Made Out of a Soda Bottle

Posted on Jun 16 2010 - 3:00am by Mike Lieberman

Here’s another creative gardening idea for those of you with limited space. It’s a self-watering container made out of a 2 liter soda bottle.

This self-watering container is made out of a soda bottle, an old t-shirt (or cotton string) and some newspaper. That’s it. Hard to get much cheaper than that. I had seen the idea on Instructables a while back and have been wanting to do it since.

These are just another option for you to start growing your own food besides the coconut shells, hanging soda bottle planters, cinder blocks and three other versions of self-watering containers. Any of these can fit your space regardless of how small your space is.

I’ve planted some basil seeds in mine. Now what’s your excuse for not starting to grow some of your own food? You don’t have to grow a lot. Just one plant will make a difference.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8obfQfu3mM

22 Comments so far. Feel free to join this conversation.

  1. Justin J. Stewart June 16, 2010 at 2:33 pm -

    “Just one plant will make a difference.” One of the most important comments I've seen on your blog. This is the message that I've been trying to tell my friends. Just one less plant of off the back of the corporate farming industry. Just like recycling, every piece makes a difference.

  2. Mike Lieberman June 16, 2010 at 3:31 pm -

    Thanks. That's what I've been telling people, but I should say it more hear. It will also help for people to regain our appreciation for food. Not only how it tastes, but the preparation that goes into growing it as well.

  3. Tara June 16, 2010 at 3:40 pm -

    Mike….I truly love your creativity. With such simple supplies found around the house, etc you can do something that would cost $20+ to buy in the store…and yours is more effective 😉 Nice!

  4. this_urban_homestead June 16, 2010 at 4:48 pm -

    Love this! Keep up the cheapening of growing. You will make it accessible to all eventually 🙂

  5. Mike Lieberman June 16, 2010 at 5:21 pm -

    Thanks Tara. The Earthboxes are over $50. Think some of them are close to $80.

  6. Mike Lieberman June 16, 2010 at 5:21 pm -

    That's the plan.

  7. araxie June 16, 2010 at 5:48 pm -

    I don't drink soda but I'm going to raid the recycling bin in my building tonight!

  8. Mike Lieberman June 16, 2010 at 10:27 pm -

    Word. That's exactly what I do!

  9. Meemsnyc June 17, 2010 at 7:02 pm -

    Hmm, interesting! Worth a try!
    http://nycgardening.blogspot.com/

  10. Kristen July 3, 2010 at 4:13 am -

    This is so creative! Maybe we will try it this weekend.

  11. Mike Lieberman July 3, 2010 at 5:22 pm -

    What's this maybe crap? I'm making one today. You best be too.

  12. Elyunquenica January 8, 2011 at 9:48 pm -

    Hey Mike, I moved to Nicaragua and am trying to start an Organic farm, I sure could use someone like you down here, drop me a line…need a lot of help. Have over over 120 acres! elyunquenica@hotmail.com

  13. Brian Schamp March 28, 2011 at 10:10 pm -

    Thank you for sharing your idea. This should help a lot of people get started in balcony gardening. I use a similar method on a larger scale. I can definitely see uses in this set-up though. Thanks again. Much appreciated.

    Brian Schamp @BrianSchamp

  14. Mike Lieberman March 28, 2011 at 10:37 pm -

    Thanks Brian. It’s simple an easy to do.

  15. jenjenn May 31, 2011 at 10:02 pm -

    Another great idea, similiar to one I picked up on a PBS arts and crafts shows. Which is to take empty cardboard milk cartons (or almond milk as I drink), then take a cardboard woodcutter, cut the tops off to desired length. To then take an old fabric scrap, or in my case, I was able to get some leftover wallpaper and crafting glue at the thrift store, some paintbrushes (on sale with a coupon) at the arts and crafts store, then ‘paint’ on the glue, and then placing the wallpaper. I did several, with one being in the sun window, for a lot of high traffic walking and driving by, for plant composting. The others will be used for starting seeds in the window, before transferring off to the porch. Right now, one is being used for a vase as a flowered plant cutting that I hope I can get to add dirt and grow as a plant (another newbie project for me). Also, want to try taking the milk cardboard, and transferring into similiar as a Chinese takeout box. Cutting some cute decorative cutouts (hearts, stars), and adding a ribbon as a gift box. So great to be able to recycle and have internet to post it, to expand my mind and pride myself, mostly in the recycling/reusing part of my earthly life!

  16. Mike Lieberman May 31, 2011 at 10:06 pm -

    Nice. Like it!

  17. Manure Tea Gardening July 19, 2011 at 1:55 pm -

    great way to recycle and get folks growing great share Mike <|;-)

  18. Mike Lieberman July 19, 2011 at 4:17 pm -

    Thank you Annie.

  19. Kenkneram August 25, 2011 at 9:40 pm -

    OK so we know what is in it; How do we put it together?

  20. Mike Lieberman August 26, 2011 at 1:22 pm -

    Here’s 4-ways to make a self-watering container https://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/self-watering-containers/how-to-make-a-self-watering-container/

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