Create your own vertical garden with recycled plastic bottles

ASTRONOMICAL amounts of plastic waste are discarded every year, polluting land, rivers, beaches, oceans and coastlines.

Next time you see plastic bottles laying around, the following easy steps from REDISA (Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa) may inspire you to turn waste into worth by repurposing them to create a trendy vertical garden.

Step 1: Collect your bottles:

“Plastic bottles come in a variety of sizes and colours. Select the bottles that suit you best. If you’d like a more structured and uniform look for your vertical garden, then stick to one colour and bottle type. If you’d prefer a more abstract style, then feel free to combine colours, shapes and sizes.”

Step 2: Cut and prepare your bottles

“Be sure to rinse your bottles and remove all labels before starting. Then, using a sharp blade or stanley knife, cut out a piece wide enough to allow the plant to grow, but be sure to keep a deep base so the plant’s roots are able to thrive in the soil.
Finally, punch holes in the sides of the bottle and thread your string through. As you thread the string, be sure to tie a knot where needed, so the bottom of each bottle rests securely.”

Step 3: Fill your bottles

“You could use a variety of plants to fill your vertical garden but there are a few things to keep in mind. Choose plants that require similar sun exposure and grow at similar rates. Remember that your garden is vertical, so plant flexibility needs to be considered in terms of how they fall.
Vertical gardens can also become dry, like any potted plant, so using potting soil is a must. This will ensure your garden retains water and nutrients.
Finally, if you have plants that require less water, you should plant them at the top of your vertical garden, since this area tends to dry more quickly.”