Plastic water bottles make great junk containers because many come with pretty labels with interesting graphics and they’re easily adapted to create perfect summer containers. Gather together several of the same design for impact. Alternatively, make up a collection of bottles in a mixture of shapes and sizes with contrasting labels. Simply cut off the tops and plant up the bottles with the best of the season’s bedding. Give-away containers like these can be used with abandon. For example, you could line them up along the length of a buffet table, team a trio on a tray for decorative interest on the garden table, or pot up a posse for impact on the patio.
You will need:
- An empty plastic water bottle
- Bradawl, gimlet or other pointed instrument
- Hacksaw
- Scissors
- Gravel
- Potting compost
- Calibrachoa Million Bells (this is often referred to incorrectly as a petunia)
Directions:
- Thoroughly water the plant and allow to drain. Using the bradawl, pierce the bottom of the bottle to make a drainage hole. Using the hacksaw, make a cut across the neck of the bottle, then insert the scissors and cut off the top.
- Place a handful of gravel into the bottom of the bottle to provide efficient drainage. Add a layer of potting compost.
- Tip the Million Bells upside down to release from the pot, then place in the bottle, taking care not to damage the roots.
- Carefully fill the space between the plant and sides of the bottle with compost and press down firmly with your fingers. Finish with a top layer of compost. Water thoroughly.
Aftercare
Needs full sun for half the day, regular watering and regular feeding. Deadhead for blooming right up until the first autumn frosts.
