Taking care of the environment is not as difficult as it seems. In fact, there are small things we can do to make better use of the elements that are within our reach. For example, plastic bottles. Do you know how to make pots with plastic jugs?
Plants grow over the years, which means having to change pots. But, What if you made pots with plastic jugs? This way, when it ceases to have the use it was created for, you give it another one to reuse. What if we taught you how to make several?
How to turn a plastic jug into a planter
There are times when you can buy large bottles of water (there are 8 liters maximum in supermarkets). But, once you run out of water, they will stop working for you (although they actually have many other uses).
What if you made her a gardener? In fact, with a little trick, you could even have two planters in one.
To do this, you must make sure that the carafe is very clean (in case it is not made of water and has another liquid or substance inside).
Once it is empty, you must take a knife or similar to be able to cut it. And you’re going to do it in half lengthwise. This way you will have two identical pieces. If you see that with the knife it is very difficult for you, you can use scissors or heat the edge of the knife a little so that it slides better through the plastic.
Once you have two equal halves, you’ll need to make sure they have a good base (this can be done with bricks or a surface that keeps it from tipping over). Besides, be sure to make holes in the bottom for water to drain (with a punch or similar it will be very easy for you).
All you have to do is fill it with soil and plant whatever you want in it.
Pots with plastic jugs
Source: YouTube Craft Factory
Another idea you can have for plastic bottles is to turn them into individual jars. For this we recommend that you have different bottles of different sizes.
All you gotta do is cut the carafes in half (widthwise or horizontally). So that you have a base that will be the base of the carafe, and discard the top part (although if you have holes to put them in, it may also be worth it).
Again you will need to use an awl or similar to make holes and then fill it with soil so it is ready for the plants you wish to use.
Bottles as pots for aromatic plants
Can you imagine having lots of herbs at your kitchen window for your meals? Well, you can do that without resorting to a planter or pot. Enjoy the bottles.
To make pots with plastic jugs, another way to cut them can be to cut one side (not completely) of the jug so that you can put it horizontally and have a part through which to introduce the soil as well as the plants and that these are protected as they grow.
This helps to create a sort of greenhouse in the soil zone, keeping the roots warm. Of course, be careful not to leave them in the sun as the plastic can get very hot, and this will require you to water it more often. In addition, the temperature will be much higher and this can burn the roots of the plant.
Do not forget to make holes in it so that excess water can drain and it does not get clogged.
Pots with plastic bottles that simulate animals
Source: Pinterest
One of the most curious ways to make pots with plastic jugs is to shape them into animals. For example, you may have a carafe cut with the silhouette of a cat (with its ears and even its tail), although it could also be a dog, a mouse or similar.
The goal is to achieve a playful shape that, when painted or decorated, really looks like a cartoon of an animal and gives it more decorative and aesthetic value.
This, yes, You can only do this in the decanters that can be cut well (which are not very thick) because in the others it will cost you (especially if it comes to small details).
That you don’t like using plastic jugs because you find them too ugly for your garden? Well, nothing, we have an additional solution to change your mind. The only thing you will need is a rope (any color you want) and silicone or glue.
The goal is that once you have cut this bottle, you cover it with the rope in order to give it consistency and at the same time hide the fact that it is a plastic bottle. Of course, be careful with the base (if not necessary, better not cover it with the rope) and be sure to drill holes in it.
How to paint plastic bottles
We understand that it may not be “pleasant” to use plastic jugs. And that it is more beautiful to have a pot painted with a design than a simple carafe. But you could actually paint them.
In fact, if the plastic jugs aren’t already a different color, you can use paint to add color. First, a base, then you can opt for an abstract design, a mandala or even make animal shapes. All this will make the result even better than the pots found in the trade. And so you know you’ve put a new use to something that you would otherwise end up throwing away.
To paint them, we recommend:
- First give a layer that covers the entire carafe. You can use any color you want, the important thing is that it covers well and thus avoids it appearing transparent.
- Later, with paints of other colors you can create any shape you want, be it a picture, animal, silhouette, mandala or anything you can think of.
Of course, don’t paint it inside because it’s not necessary. Also, this way you prevent the paint from interacting with the soil and causing some sort of reaction in the plant you put in it.
As you can see, making pots out of plastic jugs is pretty easy and there are lots of ideas you can make. We wanted to leave you some videos so you can see some of them and encourage you to do them.