Summer Watering, Part 2

In a previous post (my very first one, I believe), I launched the idea of using frozen water bottles to keep your plants from scorching and wilting during the hot summer months.  However, one issue I came across is that dirt sticks to the stakes (even if you rinse them) and tends to leave quite a mess in the freezer.

   Determined not to be defeated, I modified it (which was second nature, because that's what teachers do, right?!)  I removed and discarded the soiled stakes from the bottles and refroze them.  I then saved some wider aluminum cans and spray painted then coordinating colors.

Finally, I hammered nail holes in the bottom to allow the water to seep through as it melts. 

 

 I now leave the "base" (the can) in the flowers and only collect the bottles to refill and refreeze.

Potting Station

My parents recently purchased a Queen Anne style house built in 1900.  While prepping the house for their retirement days, they have come across some interesting finds.  Among these treasures was an old rusty and patinaed sink.  My mom had not decided what to do with it, so my ever resourceful husband suggested turning it into a potting station.  While it is simple, it is very practical, and prevents strain on one's back while potting flowers.  I also like the clever bottom shelf, added both for storage and stability.

Summer Watering

I had an epiphany this spring for watering my potted plants this summer.   I have also found this to be helpful to "buy time" if you plan to be out of town for a few days.  Additionally, I live in a century-old house, which has only one outdoor spigot.  This leaves me with the options of wrestling with a long hose or packing water to my porches, and wilty plants at the end a hot summer day.  So, here is my solution:

1.) Use a plastic bottle and drop a stake inside, making sure at least an inch or two remains above the mouth of the bottle.

2.) If you are in a creative mindset, you can stake it in the grass and spray paint it, so it looks more ornamental among your flowers.

3.) Fill the bottle with water leaving about an inch of air so the water has room to expand as it freezes.

4.) Place the bottle in the freezer until it is frozen solid.  Steak the bottle in a flower pot.  As it gradually melts, the water will drop into the dirt.  

Other Notes:

•It takes about 24 hours for the ice to finish melting.  I have found that because of the gradual pace, my plants are less likely to wilt in the summer heat.

•Because it is such a slow process, you shouldn't have to worry about mold or root rot.  You also have a better idea of how much water your plants are getting.

•Because ice is lighter than water, it is easier to carry and prevents the water from slopping all over. 💦