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The Best DIY Home Garden Watering Systems That Won't Break The Bank
By TIFFANY SELVEY
Water Hose Drip Line
Use an old, worn-out water hose as a drip line by adding more holes. They’re already leaky, so you might as well use those leaks to your advantage.
You will need a power drill with a small bit, about 3/16 of an inch. Drill your first hole 2 to 3 feet away from the hose end that attaches to the faucet.
Drill more holes in a straight line 8 inches apart through the entire length of the hose and stop 2 feet from the end. To keep the water pressurized, add a hose end cap.
Place your hose around the base of your plants and turn the water on so that it steadily drips until the ground is thoroughly soaked.
Soaker Soda Bottle
This option is best for small raised garden beds. You’ll need to run a hose from your faucet and connect the open end to an empty plastic soda bottle.
Create the soaker by poking holes around the bottle a few inches apart with a long nail, being sure to wear gloves. Connect the bottle to the end of your hose with duct tape.
Then, simply place your soaker soda bottle in the middle of your garden bed and turn the water on just enough to soak the ground.
Pool Noodle Sprinkler
Get a hose, duct tape, and something skinny before making holes around 3 inches apart on all sides of a poodle noodle so that it sprays in all directions.
Seal one end of the noodle with duct tape and insert a hose into the other, securing it with tape. Now your sprinkler can be used for your garden and outdoor playtime.
Olla/Terra Cotta
Modern ollas are terra cotta pots made of unglazed clay that are buried halfway in the soil so they can slowly release their water into the ground as it dries out.
Use 6-inch terra cotta pots and patch their large drainage holes with something waterproof like clay, cement, or even a wine cork if it fits.
Bury the pot and leave just the top inch above the soil. Fill it with water and cover it with the matching terra cotta saucer to keep bugs out.