In March, at the beginning of lockdown and the talk of potential food shortages, I started to look at what vegetables I could plant for Spring germinating. Still considering myself an experimental gardener rather than experienced horticulturist, I decided to watch some videos from experts in the field. Being a keen recycling fanatic and short on outdoor space, I found a few videos from gardeners with limited space using plastic bottles, which I found interesting.
The presenter took a plastic bottle, cut the bottom off and made 2 ringlets for hanging. She then put a young tomato plant through the spout, added fresh compost, hung on a balcony to water regularly. As plants grow toward the sun, you could see the plant start to turn upward and grow up along the side of the bottle. I found the whole process interesting along with being able to visualise the rooting system taking place.
I also looked at what other plants would also adapt to this growing technique and decided on green pepper plants. In this circumstance, the bottle is upright with holes created at the base of the bottle for drainage and the spout cut off. As the plant began to flourish and flower, I could see peppers taking shape.
Although the size of container will limit the amount of growth of a plant, I found the whole process fascinating along with being able to put the container into recycling rather than having a stack of clay pots to manage.
The plants are still growing strong and I have learned a lot through the experience. For those of us with an interest in gardening but not necessarily the space, this could be an inexpensive and interesting way to grow your own vegetables without investing too much in plant containers or décor.