It’s so easy! Learn how to water plants while you’re away. This five minute recycled wine bottle project allows the perfect amount of water flow, keeping your potted plants alive with ease!

A vase of flowers on a white porch with a wine bottle inside.

It’s funny that I’m writing this post in the middle of what feels like a monsoon. We have seen so much rain over the past couple weeks that this isn’t even necessary to water plants right now (sorry to those in California, wish we could share).

But as soon as I leave town, we all know what will happen – my beautiful patio plants that I have been nurturing for the past few months will be left in the scorching heat, unattended, without a drop of rain in sight.

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Watering Plants While You’re Away

It’s the dilemma I face each summer when we travel. Do I pay someone to come over and water plants? No. I hydrate them like I hydrate myself. With wine. Okay, with water, but someone has to drink the wine to make this possible.

I’ve brought you some fun plant ideas in the past, including posts about the best easy care plants, my favorite Meyer Lemon trees, Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, and my favorite ZZ plant.

“We might think we are nurturing out garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us.”
-Jenny Uglow

Easy Wine Bottle Recycling Project

I may not have the greenest thumb, but I am an avid recycler. I like to make the most from what I already have. And wine bottles? Well, I have a few of those.

I also have quite a few plants, so we’re in luck! I created a self watering system from wine bottles in just a few easy steps:

First, you’ll want to rinse and fill your wine bottle with water.
Stick a cork in it. Literally! Simply push it down as far as it will go.
Next, using a nail (preferably, if you can find one- I used a screw for these images because it was the easiest thing to find at the moment) create a hole going through the entire length of the cork and remove.
Insert wine bottle upside down into plant and it will be hydrated for up to three days!

More Watering Tips

If you’re struggling with keeping your potted plants from getting too dry, here’s a few tips that might help!

Use a high-quality potting soil. One that holds and releases moisture will be extra beneficial!
Too much water isn’t good either. Make sure that your plant has plenty of drainage so it only takes on the water it needs.
Adding a layer of moss on top of your soil can also help prevent moisture loss – it’s just another layer of protection!
Try the diaper trick! Yes… diapers. Especially if your container is shallow, it can be beneficial to place a diaper in the base of your container. It holds (and stores) water and helps keep the soil moist!

Water Plants While on Vacation

This project takes less than five minutes and your plants will thank you. They’re thirsty, and so are you! Everybody wins with this wine bottle recycling project.

You can also do this with water bottles by creating a hole in the top of the plastic lid, but wine bottles offer additional watering time and are a little more aesthetically pleasing, don’t you think?

Looking for more ways to recycle wine bottles (or excuses to need them)? Look no further. Learn how to make a Wine Bottle Tiki Torch!

I’m not sure who is more anxious to see the sun, my flowers or me. Happy summer and happy travels!

More Outdoor Living Inspiration

Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!

5 from 1 vote