What you’ll need:

  • An empty plastic bottle (one liter)
  • An awl
  • A screwdriver
  • A serrated knife
  • Scissors
  • A ruler
  • Cotton string
  • Four paper clips
  • Soil
  • Small plant or seeds
  • Water

How to do it:

1. Use the awl to make a few holes in the neck of the bottle.

Tip: Ask an adult to help you.

2. Cut the bottle in two using the serrated knife.

3. Make a hole in the center of the cap using the awl.

4. Use the screwdriver to make the hole bigger.

5. Cut four pieces of string 25 cm long.

6. Tie the four pieces of string together about a third of the way along.

7. Push the shorter end through the hole in the cap. The knot should be on the inside.

8. Wet the pieces of string.
or: Dip the pieces of string in water.

9. Screw the cap back onto the bottle.

Push the pieces of string through the opening.
Screw the cap on.

10. Place the neck of the bottle with the cap facing downward into the bottom part of the bottle. Fasten the ends of the string using paperclips.

11. Fill the neck of the bottle with soil.

12. Put your plant in the soil.

13. Push the pieces of string away from the side of the bottle.

Arrange the free ends around the plant.
Cover them with a small amount of soil. 

14. Water the soil so that it’s moist.

15. Fill the bottom of the bottle with water until it almost reaches the cap.

16. Put your watering system somewhere where it will get lots of daylight.

Your plant will now water itself via the string.
If it’s too wet, cut off one or two pieces of string.
If it’s too dry, just give it more water.