Self-Watering Planter System Made From 2L Coke Bottle (10 Minute Project)

This is a super-simple 10 minute conversion from an empty 2L coke bottle to a indoor self-watering planter. This planter acts as a miniature wicking bed. The soil of the planter remains moist due to capillary action, but does not become flooded. The plant extracts exactly as much water as it requires, allowing excess water to drain into the reservoir. The water level of the reservoir can be seen at a glance, and only needs to be refilled about once a week (depending on the needs of the plant).

1 Empty Cylindrical 2L Bottle (Best shaped bottles are Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mug, or 7-up 2L bottles)

1-1.5 Liters of Potting Soil (Depending on plant mass)

1-1.5 Liters of Water

1 Multitool (Such as a swiss army knife with a blade and a corkscrew)

Alternatively: 1 Pair of Scissors and 1 Corkscrew

1 Plant (Ensure fit before beginning project)

Cut the bottle into 2 parts 11cm from base using scissors or a knife. Try to make the cut as smooth and as straight around the diameter of the bottle as possible.

Poke around 50-100 holes in the neck and shoulder of the bottle using the corkscrew or another pointed implement. Try to spread the holes evenly around the shoulder in a random pattern.

Flip the upper bottle upside down. Fill the upper bottle with potting soil and the plant/seeds. Make sure soil is well compacted below and around plant.

Fill the lower bottle with water. Check that water does not leak from lower bottle.

Slowly place the inverted upper bottle on top/inside of the lower bottle, allowing the water from the lower bottle to saturate the soil in the upper bottle without overflowing. Pour water into upper bottle until soil is fully saturated.

Place planter in area with light. To refill the reservoir, lift the upper bottle partially out of the lower bottle and fill the lower bottle with water before replacing the upper bottle. A long-stemmed glass or miniature watering can is recommended for convenience. Refill reservoir with water whenever reservoir water level drops close to or below the upper bottle perforations. The reservoir will likely need to be refilled around once a week. Enjoy the plants.