NEXT time you see plastic bottles laying around, you may want to consider re-purposing them into a trendy vertical garden. Not only is this a great alternative use, but your vertical garden can be set up anywhere without any fuss.
You will find plastic waste on any beach. All over the world the statistics are growing, staggeringly. Tonnes of plastic waste is discarded every year, polluting land, rivers, coasts, beaches and oceans.
Easy steps to turn your waste into worth from REDISA (Recycling and Economic Development Initiative South Africa):
Step 1: Collect your bottles:
Plastic bottles come in a variety of sizes and colours. Select the bottles that suit you best. If you would like a more structured and uniform look for your vertical garden, then stick to one colour and bottle type. If you prefer a more abstract style, then you can 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 standing 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.
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