Hanging garden

Upcycled Hanging Garden: Transform Plastic Bottles into a Vertical Garden

Create a stunning hanging garden using plastic bottles and a few simple materials. This eco-friendly project allows you to grow herbs, flowers, or small vegetables in a vertical space while reducing plastic waste. It’s perfect for small spaces like balconies or patios, offering a sustainable and decorative solution for plant lovers.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Empty plastic bottles (2-liter bottles work best)
  • Scissors or craft knife
  • Permanent marker
  • String, twine, or wire
  • Drill (or heated needle for puncturing holes)
  • Soil and plants or seeds
  • Paint (optional for decorating)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Screws and hooks (for mounting the garden)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Plastic Bottles

Start by washing and drying your empty plastic bottles thoroughly. Remove any labels and ensure that no residue is left behind. Once clean, decide how many bottles you want to use for your hanging garden based on your available space and the number of plants you want to grow.

what you will need
remove label

Step 2: Cut the Bottles

Using a permanent marker, draw a rectangle on one side of each bottle, leaving the top and bottom intact. This will be the opening where you will plant your greenery. Carefully cut along the lines with scissors or a craft knife to remove the section of plastic.

first cut with craft knife
scissors cutting bottle
top of bottole cut

Step 3: Create Drainage Holes

To prevent water from pooling inside the bottles, use a drill or a heated needle to make small drainage holes in the bottom of each bottle. This step is essential for keeping the soil healthy and your plants thriving.

Step 4: Attach the String for Hanging

Next, drill or poke two small holes on either side of the bottle’s opening (near the top) for threading the string, twine, or wire. Cut a length of string or twine, thread it through the holes, and tie it securely. The length of the string will determine how far down each bottle will hang, so measure accordingly based on your design.

pierce side with spike
cutting wire
thread wire into stopper
thread wire into washer
thread wire through loop
loop pulled tight
thread wire into side of botttle
pull up wire button
thread crimp onto wire
crimp with pliers
fit key ring to wire
make hole in lid
loop on the outside
replace lid
replace top into bottom of bottle

Step 5: Optional: Paint and Decorate the Bottles

If you’d like to add some color or style to your hanging garden, now is the time to paint the bottles. Use acrylic paint or spray paint to cover the outside of the bottles, allowing them to dry completely before moving on to the next step. You can go with bright colors, natural tones, or even add patterns like polka dots or stripes.

paint bottle
painted finished

Step 6: Fill the Bottles with Soil and Plants

Once the bottles are prepared, fill them with potting soil. Be sure to leave some space at the top for watering. Then, add your plants or seeds, choosing herbs, flowers, or small vegetables that will thrive in the bottle’s confined space.

Step 7: Hang Your Garden

Now, it’s time to hang your upcycled garden! Use screws and hooks to secure the bottles to a sturdy surface like a wall, fence, or railing. Make sure each bottle is well-supported and that the strings are evenly spaced to create a balanced display.

complete garden upcycle bckgrnd

Step 8: Water and Maintain Your Hanging Garden

Water your plants regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not too wet. The drainage holes you made earlier will help prevent overwatering. As your plants grow, you can prune them to encourage healthy development and keep the garden looking neat.

Additional Tips for Success:

  • Choosing the Right Plants: When selecting plants, consider herbs like basil, mint, or parsley, which grow well in small containers. You can also plant flowers like marigolds or pansies for a pop of color.
  • Creative Display: Experiment with different hanging configurations, such as staggering the bottles at different heights or hanging them in rows. This will give your garden an eye-catching, dynamic look.
  • Watering Efficiency: To make watering easier, consider adding a drip irrigation system or attaching a slow-release water bottle to the top of your hanging garden.
  • Reinforce the Bottles: If you’re growing heavier plants, consider using stronger wire or reinforcing the bottles to ensure they can support the weight as the plants grow.

This upcycled hanging garden project is a great way to reduce plastic waste while creating a beautiful and functional vertical garden. Perfect for small spaces and eco-conscious gardeners, this project brings life and greenery to your home in an innovative, sustainable way.