Create a stunning vertical garden with waste

Recycling in a different form than the usual can lead to creative and beautiful creations.

Those two litre plastic bottles that are dumped in the trash or littered on the side of the road can be used to create an amazing vertical garden, especially in tight or confined spaces that make having a garden difficult or impossible.

Read: 9 ways to a more drought resistant garden

Tons of plastic waste are discarded every year, polluting land, rivers, coasts, beaches and oceans.

Next time you see empty plastic bottles around, you may want to consider repurposing these into a trendy vertical garden.

Read: Start your own vegetable garden

Not only is this a great alternative use but your vertical garden can be set up anywhere without any fuss.

The Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (Redisa), a non-profit organisation, gave these easy steps to turn your waste into worth and create a vertical garden:

Step one: Collect your bottles

Plastic bottles come in a variety of sizes and colours.

Select the bottles that suit you best.

If you prefer a more structured and uniformed look for your vertical garden, then stick to one colour and bottle type.

For a more abstract style, feel free to combine colours, shapes and sizes.

Step two: Cut and prepare your bottles

Be sure to rinse your bottles and remove all labels before starting.

Then, using a sharp blade or 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.

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 three: 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.

Chose 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.

To learn more about turning waste into worth follow Redisa on Twitter @wasteintoworth and on Facebook: wasteintoworth