Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes and drinks, and having it readily available in your home is a real convenience. You can grow mint indoors, but what if you want to combine functionality with aesthetics? In this article, we’ll show you how to create a hanging garden system using recycled plastic bottles to grow fresh mint. Not only will this project add a touch of greenery to your living space, but it will also provide you with a continuous supply of fragrant, home-grown mint. Materials you’ll need: Two plastic bottles (preferably the same size) A sharp knife or scissors A piece of string or twine Mint cuttings or small mint plants Potting mix An infusion system (plastic or drip irrigation) A wider straw with holes Water Step-by-step instructions: Prepare the bottles:
Take one of the plastic bottles and cut it in half horizontally. The top part will serve as a water reservoir and the bottom part will be used for the potting soil and mint.
Create the watering system:
Attach an infusion system to the top of the bottle. This will serve as a watering system for your mint plants. The infusion system can be as simple as a plastic or drip irrigation system. Make sure it is securely attached.
Configure the water tank:
Hang the top bottle (water reservoir) upside down. It should be higher than the second bottle to allow for a gravity-fed watering system. You can use a piece of string or twine to hang it securely.
Prepare the mint bottle:
Take the second bottle (the one with the bottom intact) and make small holes all around the sides. These holes will be used to insert the mint cuttings or small mint plants.
Create the infusion system for the mint bottle:
Insert a wider straw with holes along its length into the middle of the second bottle. This straw will serve as the conduit for the watering system. Make sure the straw is long enough to reach the bottom of the bottle and has an opening at the top to connect to the water reservoir’s infusion system.
Add potting soil:
Fill the second bottle (the one with the holes and the straw) with potting soil. Make sure the straw stays centered and doesn’t block the holes.
Plant mint:
Insert your mint cuttings or small mint plants into the holes around the second bottle. Make sure they are firmly planted in the potting soil.
Connect the sprinkler system:
Connect the infusion system from the water reservoir (top bottle) to the straw on the second bottle. This will allow a controlled flow of water from the top bottle to the mint plants.
Maintain and enjoy:
Hang your newly created mint garden in a suitable location where it receives sufficient light. Watering will be provided by the gravity system you have set up. Regularly check the water level in the top bottle and refill it as needed to keep your mint plants hydrated.
Conclusion By recycling plastic bottles and creating a hanging garden, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh mint while adding a touch of greenery to your living space. This DIY project is not only eco-friendly but also a fun and practical way to grow an ornamental plant. Now you can enjoy the aroma and taste of mint in your culinary creations while reducing plastic waste and adding a unique decorative piece to your home. Happy gardening!