Make a Soda Bottle Planter in Honor of Earth Day

Did you know 14% of all litter comes from beverage containers? In celebration of Earth Day, try making a recycled planter out of old beverage bottles! This is a great learning activity to do with the family. You can discuss the importance of being good stewards of the planet while learning about seed starting.

Materials:

● 1 two-liter bottle
● potting soil
● seeds
● thick string or yarn
● hammer
● scissors or a sharp blade
● Philips screwdriver or nail
● water

Steps:

1. Wash out the 2 liter bottle and remove the label.
2. Cut the 2 liter bottle in half.

3. Use a Phillips screwdriver and hammer to punch a hole in the center of the bottle cap. A cutting board or old piece of wood can be used to prevent surface damage when punching the hole.
4. Thread the string though the bottle cap. Allow some of the string to hang out the top of the cap. Tie a knot inside the bottle cap and trim excess string.

5. Screw the cap back on the bottle.
6. Place the top portion of the 2 liter bottle face down into the bottom half of the bottle.

7. Fill the top portion with potting mix
8. Plant your seeds and water from the top until the soil is damp.
9. Lift the top half and pour one inch of water into the bottom half of the bottle.
10. Replace the top portion and place in a sunny window sill or porch.
11. Additional top watering may be needed if the soil starts to dry out.

Herbs and lettuce grow best in these containers if you do not plan on transplanting! Enjoy!