If you’re like me and want to save water, money, and the planet all at once, this DIY rotating irrigation system is a game-changer.
It’s simple, effective, and uses something most of us have lying around, plastic bottles!
For just about 10$, you can create an irrigation system that conserves water while keeping your garden lush and thriving. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- Used plastic bottles (1-liter or 2-liter size is ideal)
- Scissors or a utility knife
- A piece of PVC pipe
- A drill
- Sand or small gravel
- Tape (optional)
How to Make DIY Rotating Irrigation System
Step 1: Clean Your Bottles
You begin by rounding up a few empty plastic bottles.
I recommend sticking to bottles of the same size, as it makes your system look more uniform and efficient, then rinse them out thoroughly to get rid of any leftover residue, and let them dry completely.
Step 2: Snip Off the Base
Next, grab your scissors or knife and carefully cut off the bottom of each bottle. This transforms the bottle into a wide-mouthed funnel.
If the edges are jagged, you can quickly trim them down to tidy things up.
Step 3: Plan Your Layout
Are you watering a flower bed, a vegetable patch, or individual plants? Decide on your layout and mark the spots where each bottle will go.
If you’re using a hose or PVC pipe to feed the water, make sure it’s long enough to reach all your bottles.
Step 4: Add Watering Holes
Now, you use your drill, nail, or another sharp tool to make small holes around the sides of each bottle.
These holes will act as mini sprinklers, releasing water evenly into the surrounding soil.
Step 5: Anchor the Bottles
Take your prepared bottles and place them upside down at the spots you’ve marked, then push them a few inches into the soil for stability.
If the soil is loose or sandy, fill the bottles with a little gravel or sand to weigh them down. If you’re worried about them tipping over, tape them to sticks or stakes for extra support.
Step 6: Connect and Test
Now it’s time to attach your hose or PVC pipe to a water source, ensuring it’s positioned to feed into your bottles.
Turn on the water and watch your system in action, then adjust the water pressure to get a steady, even flow.
Step 7: Keep It Running Smoothly
Like any good garden tool, your irrigation system needs a bit of TLC. You should check the bottles regularly to make sure the holes aren’t clogged.
If dirt or debris gets in, give them a quick rinse. Also, monitor the soil to ensure you’re not overwatering or underwatering your plants.
