It may seem strange, but leaving a clove in the plants before being outside for a long time is an effective trick. This is what for.
When we prepare to go on vacation , one of the common problems we face is how to keep our plants hydrated in our absence. It may not be possible to water plants regularly if we are away for an extended period of time . That’s why many are adopting an unusual but effective method : leaving a clove in plants as a DIY watering system .
Leave a clove in the plants to water them
To make this system , you will need a nail at least 10 cm long and one and a half meters of natural thread that is capable of absorbing water, such as wool, cotton or hemp thread. Also, get yourself a bottle , considering that a larger bottle will have a greater water release capacity and will last longer .
Let’s start with the assembly of the system . Take the nail and the wire , leaving one end of the wire about 10 cm above the head of the nail . Then wrap the entire nail with the wire , leaving only 1-2 cm of free wire at the tip. Once you’ve wrapped the nail completely, tie a knot to secure the wire. Now you will have two ends : one 10 cm long to leave above the head of the nail and the other longer.
Take the longer end of the wire and attach a weight to it , such as a longer nail or bolt . Tie the counterweight securely to the cable . At this point, immerse the entire newly created system in water for a few minutes . The thread will absorb the water and become soaked and wet .
A DIY sprinkler system
After a few minutes , take the system out of the water and take the bottle. Then, fill the bottle with water and insert the counterweight with the wire into the bottle . Make sure the clove goes into the soil inside the pot the plant is in. In this way, the water will be distributed to the roots of the plants through the principle of capillarity .
How does it work? The principle of capillarity is based on the property of water to rise in small tubes , like the blood vessels of plants. Through forces of cohesion and adhesion, water moves against gravity , ensuring the irrigation of plants through capillary transport .
With this simple home irrigation system , the water will be released little by little to the roots of your plants, keeping them hydrated over time. The absorbent thread acts as a transport channel , transferring water from the bottle to the surrounding soil .
As the soil dries , water will gradually be transported through the fibers of the yarn and fall into the soil drop by drop , providing constant and adequate watering for plants.
A nail in the plants saves the holidays
This do-it-yourself watering method is economical, environmentally friendly , and can be a lifesaver for those who want to travel without worrying about their beloved plants .
However, it is important to consider the specific needs of the plants you want to water this way. In fact, some plants may need more or less water, so it is advisable to experiment and monitor the plants carefully during our period of absence.
So if you need a practical solution for watering your plants while on vacation , why not try this creative and inexpensive method ?