When we prepare to go on vacation, one of the most common problems we face is how to keep our plants hydrated in our absence. Watering plants regularly may not be possible if we are away for a long period of time.

That’s why many are adopting an unusual but effective method: leaving a nail in the plants as a home watering system. If you want to see how to apply it, watch the following video made by AGRICULTURA CON JAIRO:

The Nail Trick in Plants

Leaving a nail in plants before you go on vacation may seem strange, but it’s an effective trick. This method ensures that plants are kept hydrated using simple principles of physics and capillarity.

Materials Needed

To make this home irrigation system, you will need:

• A nail at least 10 cm long.
• 1 meter of natural yarn that is capable of absorbing water, such as wool, cotton, or hemp yarn.
• A bottle (the larger the bottle, the greater the water release capacity and the longer it will last).

Irrigation System Assembly

Step 1: Prepare the Nail and Thread

1. Take the nail and thread, leaving one end of the thread about 10 cm above the head of the nail.
2. Wrap the entire nail with the thread, leaving only 1 to 2 cm of free thread at the tip.
3. Secure the thread with a knot. You will now have two ends: one 10 cm and the other longer.

Step 2: Create the counterweight

1. Take the longer end of the thread and attach a counterweight, such as a nail or longer bolt, to it.
2. Tie the counterweight firmly to the thread.

Step 3: Submerge in water

1. Immerse the entire system in water for a few minutes so that the yarn absorbs the water and soaks in.

Step 4: Assemble in the bottle

1. Fill the water bottle.
2. Insert the counterweight with the thread inside the bottle.
3. Make sure the nail goes into the ground inside the pot where the plant is located.

How Does This Trick Work?

This trick is based on the principle of capillarity, it is based on the property of water rising in small tubes, like the blood vessels of plants, through the forces of cohesion and adhesion. The water moves against gravity, ensuring the irrigation of the plants through capillary transport.

This ingenious home watering system is an excellent solution to keep your plants hydrated during your vacation. It’s easy to assemble and uses simple materials that you probably already have at home. Try this trick the next time you’re out on the road and keep your plants happy and healthy!