How to Make Aqua Spikes From PVC for Gardens

Aqua spikes have hollow insides to contain water and stake-shaped bodies made to poke into the soil directly above a plant’s root ball. These design features enable aqua spikes to slowly distribute water directly to plant roots, hydrating the plants when necessary. This system saves water and prevents plants from drying out when gardeners go on a short vacation. You can make homemade aqua spikes with PVC pipes and common household tools. Make one aqua spike for every 2 to 3 feet of plant diameter you need to water.

1-inch diameter PVC pipe
Vise
Hacksaw
Drill
Mallet
Stake
2-liter soda bottle
Utility knife
Duct tape

Instructions

- 1
  Secure a PVC pipe in a vise, and cut it to a length of 1 foot, using a hacksaw.
- 2
  Drill two holes in the length of the pipe -- one at the midpoint and another one 2 inches below the midpoint.
- 3
  Drive a stake in the ground 1 foot away from the plant’s main stem or trunk, or directly under the outer edge of the plant’s canopy -- whichever is closer to the plant. Use a mallet to drive the stake. This will make a starter hole for the PVC pipe.
- 4
  Remove the stake, and drive the PVC pipe into the starter hole, using the mallet, until its rim is 1 inch above the soil line.
- 5
  Cut the base off a soda bottle, using a utility knife.
- 6
  Invert the soda bottle, and place its opening into the PVC pipe’s rim. Secure the bottle in place with duct tape.
- 7
  Pour water into the bottle until it is full. The water will flow to the bottom of the pipe and slowly drip into the plant’s root ball.

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