Cool Thumb-controlled Watering Pot Made With Recycled Materials

Posted May 1, 11 -Filed Under children's crafts (recycled materials), crafts (recycled materials), garden (gardening info and eco-friendly project ideas), gifts from recycled materials, reuse bottles, plastic, seasonal: spring, seasonal: summer 

I got the idea to make these thumb controlled pots from the pottery ones I’ve seen at Historic Williamsburg. The original earthenware “thumb pots” were used in 17th and 18th century English gardens. I reproduced this clever watering device using salvaged plastic bottles and jugs. It is ideal for watering delicate seedlings. I use this watering pot all the time now.

To Make:

Find a suitable “pot.” I love using maple syrup containers but I was successful making other smaller pots with smaller plastic milk bottles. The smaller bottles are easier for children.

Drill a hole in the center of the cap of your container. I used a 7/32nd drill bit. Next, drill small holes in the bottom. I used a 1/16th drill bit. When using softer plastic containers, it is possible to poke holes instead of using a drill. Make sure the cap is on tight; otherwise the water will not stay inside.

How it works:

It works similar to holding your thumb over the top of a drinking straw.

1. To fill your thumb pot, place into a bucket of water. Do not cover the hole in the top.

2. Hold your finger over the hole in the cap to prevent water from escaping the bottom as you lift.

3. Continue to hold your thumb over the hole as you lift.

4. Take your thumb off the hole when you are ready to water your plants. Removing your thumb allows the water to gently stream out the holes on the bottom.

How to hold a thumb pot.

Comments

20 Responses to “Cool Thumb-controlled Watering Pot Made With Recycled Materials”

  1. Amy A on May 1st, 2011 10:20 pm

    What a cool idea! Thanks for sharing!

  2. Karen on May 13th, 2011 9:06 am

    I love this! I’ll be making one with my boys after school today.

  3. Sydney on May 13th, 2011 9:09 am

    That is so clever! I will be making those for my little gardeners this weekend.

  4. Christy on May 13th, 2011 12:08 pm

    what a great idea! and we just started our strawberry garden too!

  5. Tout Un Fil on May 15th, 2011 10:16 am

    C’est une excellente idée !!! bravo !

  6. jane on May 15th, 2011 3:38 pm

    Merci!

  7. Monday’s List o’ Links on May 16th, 2011 6:04 am

    [...] Fun In the Making shows how to make a thumb-controlled watering pot using recycled materials. Ingenious [...]

  8. Eco-Crafting | Attainable Sustainable on May 31st, 2011 1:26 pm

    [...] a milk carton truck, a kid-operated watering can, or paper bead [...]

  9. claudia on June 1st, 2011 12:35 pm

    The heck with “little ones”, I’m going to make one and use it myself in my growing garden. What a great idea.

  10. Tabitha on June 10th, 2011 8:35 am

    That’s brilliant and looks like a lot of fun to use! Thanks for sharing.

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  15. jim on December 30th, 2011 1:44 pm

    great idea…I’m going to use for early plants

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    [...] sent me a link that made my inner gardening recycler both giddy and inspired. The post on a “Cool thumb-controlled watering pot made with recycled materials” from the Fun in the Making blog is a nifty new idea inspired by pottery “thumb [...]

  17. How to Make a Seed Watering Pot - Urban Organic Gardener on February 6th, 2012 4:51 am

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  19. Chaz French on February 14th, 2012 1:21 am

    Why are you buying “Grade A” maple syrup, when “Grade B” is so much better tasting?

  20. Valerie on February 19th, 2012 12:41 am

    Love this idea, definitely going to save the next jug i get for this.

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    Are you having any trouble understanding some of the instructions? Feel free to send me a quick e-mail at HesterJane@FunInTheMaking.net. I’ll do my best to answer your questions. Do you have any suggestions regarding a specific post? Maybe you have a better way and would like to share it with the other creative people visiting this site? -Hester Jane