6 easy DIY techniques to create an automatic watering system

It's easy, it's convenient, and it's eco-friendly! Creating a DIY drip irrigation system has never been simpler thanks to Yoojo.

Explore all our gardening tips to build your own automatic plant watering system.

In this article, you'll learn:

How to create a drip irrigation system with bottles

Why buy an automatic watering system when you can easily create one by recycling your bottles? It's eco-friendly and incredibly practical, especially when you're on holiday. Watering your plants with bottles will ensure you return to healthy, thriving plants.

We asked our gardeners to share their best tips... here's what they came up with:

How-to create a simple DIY irrigation system with bottles 

Here’s a very simple tip that involves burying perforated bottles in the soil.

It’s very easy to do: take an empty water bottle and make small holes all around it. Use a thin nail or needle to ensure the holes aren't too large.

Next, plant the bottle in a hole near the plant you want to water (being careful not to damage the roots), leaving the neck of the bottle sticking out of the soil.

Finally, fill the bottle with water and leave it uncapped. This way, your plants will be watered gradually, avoiding water stress, and you can easily refill the bottle in seconds.

This system is perfect for thirsty plants like tomatoes.

How to make an upside-down bottle irrigation system

This technique is quite similar to the one described above, but it allows you to better control the water flow and keep your plants watered for a longer period.

Here’s how to create your upside-down bottle irrigation system:

Start by digging a hole near your plants, being careful not to damage the roots. You don't need to dig too deep as you'll only be burying about a third of the bottle.

Fill your bottle with water – a 1.5-litre bottle is ideal for a small garden, while for open ground, a 5-litre bottle works best.

Using a hammer and nail, make a hole in the bottle cap, then screw the cap back on and place the bottle upside-down in the hole (cap end first).

The small hole will allow the water to drip out slowly and steadily, so you can leave your garden for a few days with peace of mind.

To activate the water flow, make a hole in the bottom of the bottle using your hammer and nail. 

If you're worried that strong winds might knock over the bottle, you can tie it to a stake you've placed next to it.

It's recommended to set up this system in advance of your absence to check the water flow rate. You can then adjust the size of the hole in the cap if the flow isn't to your liking.

After a few days, you’ll find the right balance to keep your plants perfectly watered.

DIY automatic watering system with water jets

If you're looking to create an automatic watering system with water jets that cover a long distance, you can achieve this easily with just a simple bottle.

To do this, insert a hose into a bottle that you've previously perforated in several places. Secure the hose tightly to the bottle's neck using tape.

Place the bottle horizontally in the middle of your garden and secure it with stones (this step is optional). All that's left is to adjust the tap's flow to ensure your water jets reach the desired distance.

Creating a DIY watering system with ceramic cones

Ceramic watering cones provide a controlled, slow drip irrigation. 

To use them, screw your cone onto the neck of a 1.5-litre plastic bottle filled with water.

Then, insert the bottle by the ceramic cone into the soil near the plant that needs watering. 

Finally, make a hole in the bottom of the bottle using a nail.

Creating an automatic watering system for your indoor plants

For indoor plants, a handy tip is to pierce the shoulder of a plastic bottle and fill it with water, making sure the water level stays below the hole.

Next, plug the hole with a toothpick. 

Finally, turn the bottle upside down (with the plug still in place) and insert it into the soil by the neck. 

Then, use a needle to make about ten holes in the back of the bottle.

Water will slowly drip out through the toothpick, keeping your plant hydrated for days.

Creating a drip irrigation system with a hose

For an automatic watering system using hoses, connect perforated or porous hoses to a tap via a standard hose.

This method is much better suited for larger areas and is ideal for lawns. 

You can arrange the hose in a serpentine pattern to optimise watering.

You can secure the hoses to the ground with stakes or simply bury them about 10 cm deep.

You can also recycle an old standard hose by perforating it beforehand.

Creating an automatic watering system for your garden with fabric

Using a natural fibre like cotton, wool, or hemp, you can water your indoor plants with a simple drip system.

To do this, fill a large container with water and insert your fibre, ensuring it reaches the bottom. You can use a stone to keep it submerged.

Place the other end deep into the soil of your plant's pot. 

That’s it! 

Your plant will be watered as the water slowly travels up the fibre through capillary action. Just remember to keep your container out of direct sunlight to prevent rapid evaporation.

Conclusion and two extra tips from Yoojo

Now you have eco-friendly and cost-effective systems at your fingertips to keep your plants watered, even during a long absence.

Really care about your plants and don't want to leave them unattended?

Find out how we can help you maintain your plants while you're away.

Need a gardener while you're on holiday? Here's how!

Did you know that Yoojo is a specialist in home gardening services?

On our site, you can easily book a gardener who will come water your plants every week… or anytime you want. You decide with Yoojo !

Post an ad for free by clicking the "Request a Service" button

Then, simply follow the steps on our form, which takes just 2 minutes to complete.

Don't worry, with Yoojo, you only pay if you book a gardener, and only when the service is completed do we send the money to your provider.

Once the form is submitted, our gardeners near you will offer their services… you get to choose the one you like best.

Request a Plant-Sitter

Have an irrigation system installed before your holiday

Another option: on Yoojo, you can also connect with experts in sprinkler system installation.

In our form, you can specify all your needs, and Yoojo will connect you with local professionals who can carry out the job, all for free!

Don’t hesitate to ask for help… posting an ad is free and without obligation!