It is the least when we say that plastics are one of the most harmful pollutants on earth. Environmentalists are trying hard to make plastic usage obsolete and replace it with other renewable objects like paper. But the easy availability and the low cost still make polythene or plastic widely available. So, it is not wrong to state that the plastic-free utopia will take a prolonged time to emerge. Until then, let’s focus on creating plastic gardens!
Did we just say plastic gardens? Yes, we did. Although you might be hearing this term for the very first time, it is a great way to recycle used plastic bottles and use them as planters. It is a real thing and a great hobby for plant and garden lovers.
Still confused? Don’t be. Here we have unfurled the concept of a plastic garden, its benefits, and most importantly, some DIY ideas to create a garden out of plastic bottles.
So, stick with us till the very end of the post to get your hands on every detail regarding plastic gardening!
What is a Plastic Garden?
For those who are unfamiliar with this style of gardening, a plastic garden is one in which plants are planted in planters made out of used plastic bottles. These gardens look something like the below image.
Although the image above depicts a hanging plastic garden, it is not the only type available. Plastic bottles, mugs, jugs, jerricans, and other plastic items can be used to create personalized planters and gardens.
Planters made from used plastic bottles are a terrific method to upcycle them while also helping to reduce pollution in landfills. Although it may appear to be a small step, it is undoubtedly significant.
Why Make a Garden out of Plastic Bottles?
The most apparent benefit of creating gardens out of plastic bottles is upcycling the items and reducing their impacts on the environment. However, there are also some other significant benefits of creating a plastic garden. Let’s explore them below.
1. Cost-Effective
If you’re on a budget but still want a vibrant garden, a plastic garden is a great option. To cultivate your favorite plants, all you have to do is gather discarded plastic bottles, clean them, dry them fully, and carve planters out of them. This type of garden will cost you nearly nothing because you will have all the materials you need at your home.
2. Creativity
Purchasing planters from a store may be the most convenient option. But how about igniting your creative juices and producing something cool and intriguing? This is something that a plastic garden allows you to do. This style of the garden entirely depends on how you design it. As a result, it’s a fantastic opportunity to show the world your creative side while still being cost-effective.
3. No Maintainance
Plastic bottles do not require any upkeep. Once you’ve styled them in a certain way, they’ll stay that way for a long time. However, you may need to touch up the paint and pastings sometimes, as well as clean the planters.
4. Durable
Did we mention how long-lasting plastic planters are? They will last a long time if they are not kept in harsh temperatures. However, if your plants are rapidly growing, you may need to replace small pots with larger ones.
5 Different DIY Methods of Creating a Plastic Garden
After gathering all the necessary items, it’s time to go through some of the amazing DIY ideas to create a plastic garden. All the DIYs listed below are extremely easy to implement, and you won’t need to be a pro in gardening to create them.
1. Hanging Plastic Planters
This is our favorite! Hanging plastic planters look amazing, and they are really easy to create.
Steps:
- Gather plastic clean plastic bottles. The number of bottles will depend on what type of hanging planters you want to create. Following are some images to assist you.
- Cut the plastic bottles in half. Use a marker to mark to draw the line where you want to cut the bottle, use a sharp nail to tweezer to create a hole, and insert a scissor to cut along the line.
Note: You can use the base of the bottle, as well the top part of it, depending on your choice.
- Paint the bottle.
- You can also create texture by pasting paper pieces or any other artifacts.
- Let the bottle dry completely.
- Add punches to each side of the planter with the puncher machine. Tie the planter with a thick jute or nylon string. Knot the ends twice (or three times).
- Create a few holes at the bottom of the planter.
- Fill it with potting soil or garden soil.
- Plant your favorite plant or seeds.
- Water sufficiently.
- Finally, find a place to hang your planter and enjoy the view!
Pro tip: For a hanging plastic garden, the most favorable plants are moss, vines, crotons, petunias, cacti, and prayer-plants.
2. Vertical Plastic Garden
A vertical plastic garden can be a great corner garden idea. If you have an unused corner of your yard, you can transform its look by placing some vertical plastic planters.
Steps:
- Cut the clean plastic bottle in the middle.
- Using spray paint or a simple brush, color the bottle.
- Take a wooden plant or a piece of plywood, paint it and hang it or place it on a suitable spot. Let it dry completely.
- Punch a few holes at the base of each cutout to offer proper water drainage.
- Attach the bottle cutouts with the wooden plank with the help of nails and screws.
- Fill each part of the attached bottle cutouts with potting soil.
- Using a tweezer, you can transfer seeds in them or directly grow baby plants.
Pro tip: For this plastic garden, you can use small ornamental plants, cacti, or succulents.
3. Horizontal Plastic Gareden
This is perhaps the easiest plastic garden to create. You can take your imagination and creativity to a higher level while working on it. The steps are very simple and similar to the #1 method.
Steps:
- Take a clean plastic bottle of any size and shape.
- Using a marker, create a line or an outline to cut it.
Note: To make your garden look exciting, you can create animal cutouts or Halloween-inspired cutouts.
- Poke a few holes are the bottom for drainage.
- Paint the bottles as per your desire.
- Let them dry completely.
- Fill them with potting soil leaving a 1-2 inch area from the edge.
- Transplant small succulents, cacti, or perennial plants in the new planters.
- Place the planters in a spot that receives sufficient, but not direct, sunlight.
4. Upcycles Plastic Herb Garden
If you have a patio or a balcony and want to add a touch of lush green, the plastic herb garden idea could be of use. It is easy to make and requires almost no maintenance.
Steps:
- Take one-liter plastic bottles.
- Mark a line on each bottle 5 inches from the bottom.
- Poke a hole through the mark with a sharp tweezer or utility knife.
- Cut around the bottle at the mark using a scissor.
- Invert the bottle’s top part while keeping the cap intact.
- It should be inserted into the base.
- Fill it halfway with potting soil or garden soil.
- Plant a seedling or a tiny plant in the soil.
- Remove the lid and lift the planted section.
- 1 inch of water should be poured into the base.
Note: Make sure there’s enough water in the base to cover the lip of the inverted bottle top.
- Place the new planter in a bright location.
Pro tip: Before using bottles, clean them and remove the label. You can also paint them to give them an accentuated look.
5. A Ladder Garden
If you have a smaller yar area but want to create a plastic garden, then a ladder garden style is apt.
Steps:
- Choose a spot with a wall.
- Get a latter with 4-5 steps.
- Lean the ladder against the wall to create tired garden shelves.
- Follow step #3 method to create colorful plastic planters.
- Place 1-2 plants on each step of the ladder.
Note: You can also add small statues or showpieces to combine with the planters to create an aesthetic look.
Things Needed to Create a Plastic Garden
So you’ve decided to start making your plastic garden? We’re sure you are. But, please, stop! Read this section of our article to learn about the materials you’ll need to build your garden.
Plastic Bottles
To start with, you will need clean plastic bottles. You can use bottles of any size depending on your preference, plant size, and location of placing your planters. Also, you can use as many plastic bottles as you want, based on the size of your garden.
Paper Knife, Scissors, and Tweezers
To cut through the bottles, you would need the above materials.
Ruler
If any measurement is involved, a ruler is a must.
Marker
A marker will assist you in pointing or marking the area that needs to be cut.
Paint
If you want to create a colorful plastic garden, go ahead and paint your plastic bottle planters in pop-up colors.
Glue
For any pasting needs, you will need the glue.
Soil
Of course, since you are creating a plastic garden, you will need soil to grow your plants. You can use garden soil or sterilized potting soil.
Seeds or Baby Plants
You can use either seeds or bought baby plants from the local nursery. You can also plant pruned steam in your plastic planters.
Water
Water would be required after you complete the planting process.
Conclusion
So, who’d have guessed that plastic bottles could be utilized to create such unique gardens? Plastic gardens are simple to make, fun to design, of low cost, and don’t require any special expertise. To generate innovative ideas, all you need to do is set aside some time and brainstorm. Only the sky is the limit when it comes to a plastic garden. As a result, don’t waste time. Equip yourself with the items listed below and engage in some plastic creativity.
Also, don’t forget to say which of the above-mentioned concepts you liked the best. Also, if you have any additional plastic garden DIY ideas, please share them with us.