So, I’ve been getting into gardening lately, and I quickly realized that my old, giant watering can was way too much for my smaller plants and seedlings. I was drowning them! I decided I needed something smaller, like a 1-quart watering can. Seemed like a simple enough thing, right?
First, I checked out the local hardware store. They had tons of watering cans, but most of them were huge, or made of flimsy plastic. I wanted something durable, and ideally, not plastic.
Next, I hit up a few garden centers. Same story, mostly. Lots of big ones, a few small plastic ones. I was starting to get a little frustrated. I even looked online, but it felt silly to order a watering can online and pay for shipping.
Then, it hit me – I could probably just repurpose something! I started digging around in my recycling bin and my kitchen cabinets. I considered a few options:
- A large plastic soda bottle: Too flimsy, and the opening was too small.
- An old milk jug: Better, but still plastic, and I wasn’t crazy about the handle.
- A metal olive oil tin. The size is about right!
Bingo! I found an empty 1-quart olive oil * has a screw on cap, Perfect!
I washed it out really well, several times, to get rid of any lingering olive oil residue.I Then I used a hammer and a small nail to carefully punch a few holes in the lid.I tested the size of nail by using paper with different size holes, Finally the hole that allows the right amount to pour is decided.
I filled it with water and… it worked! The water flowed out at a nice, gentle pace, perfect for my little plants. The metal is sturdy, and it’s the perfect size. Plus, I reused something that would have otherwise been thrown away. Win-win!
My Makeshift Watering Can:
It’s not the prettiest watering can, but it gets the job done, and I feel good about not buying something new. My seedlings are much happier now, and I’ve learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, the best solutions are the ones you create yourself!
