How To Easily Turn An Old Detergent Jug Into A Practical Garden Tool

In North America, we do roughly 30 billion loads of laundry a year, and in the United States alone, we throw away 900 million empty plastic containers and unfortunately, most of those end up in the landfill — not recycled. That's a lot of trash! So, if you've got an old plastic jug lying around that used to contain detergent or fabric softener, rather than throw it away, why not repurpose it as garden watering can like The Artsy Irene does on YouTube?

There are great benefits to hand watering some plants. A DIY waterer made from a recycled laundry jug uses less water than a hose or sprinklers. It might also help direct the water more specifically to a plant's base, which could help improve its health. Splashing water from high-pressure hoses or sprinklers can spread fungus-based disease, which can be problematic for plants susceptible to fungal infection like big-leaf hydrangeas. Plus, hand watering can be a pleasant way to enjoy your garden up close.

So, by creating your own waterer, you can upcycle garbage and help keep your plants healthier at the same time. Turning an empty laundry detergent container into a watering can is just one of the savvy ways to reuse empty plastic bottles in the garden. You can even get the kids or grandkids involved in this garden DIY. It's a project for the whole family. All you'll need is an empty detergent container complete with lid, a drill, and some paint or stickers for decorating.

First, you'll want to make sure to rinse out your detergent bottle thoroughly. There may be some uses of laundry detergent for the lawn to keep it healthy, like adding it to fertilizers or herbicides to help them get absorbed. Still, it's probably best to keep detergent out of the watering can as it can damage plants. 

Next, you'll need to drill several holes in the cap. If these holes are too small, you likely won't get a good cascading effect, so pick drill bits at least ¹⁄₁₆ to ⅛ of an inch wide. Also, don't forget to cut a pressure hole at the top of the handle as well so that your water pours out freely. Otherwise, the water might come out erratically. Keep in mind that the more holes you have, the more the water will likely come out as a wide, gentle spray. 

If you want a fun project for the kids, put them to work painting the jug with acrylic paint. You might even try using bubble wrap as a way to make a flower or just a polka-dot pattern. Just dab paint on each circle of the wrap and then press onto the jug. Or, if you want a more professional look, try spray painting the jug one color. But don't forget — detergent bottles aren't the only way to make your own watering can. Don't toss that empty milk jug either when you could be reusing it in the garden as a DIY waterer, too.