Kids Craft & Gardening Adventures
With a DIY Milk Bottle Vertical Garden
Join us on a creative journey as we teach you how to turn ordinary milk bottles into a beautiful vertical garden that you and your kids will love!
Materials Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Fun Planting Session
Tips for Maintenance
Benefits of DIY Milk Bottle Vertical Gardens
Get ready to embark on a fun and sustainable gardening adventure with your little one. Follow these simple steps to create a one-of-a-kind vertical garden that will bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space. Let's get crafting!
Are you looking for a fun and sustainable activity to do with your kids that will also spruce up your outdoor space? Look no further! In this article, I’ll guide you through the exciting world of a DIY Milk Bottle Vertical Garden. Join us as we show you how to transform ordinary milk bottles into a unique and beautiful vertical garden that will bring joy and beauty to your yard. From materials needed to planting tips, I think we've got you covered. Get ready to embark on a creative and eco-friendly adventure with your little ones!
Materials Needed:
To get started on your DIY Milk Bottle Vertical Garden project, gather the following materials:
Clean empty milk bottles (we used 3L bottles, but any size should work),
Scissors & stanley knife/blade,
Macrame rope (or any reasonably strong rope will do),
Hot glue gun,
Potting soil,
Plants or seeds of your choice.
Now, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your very own vertical garden masterpiece with your kids!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by carefully cutting a hole in the side of each milk bottle, making sure to leave the top and bottom in tact. This hole will be used to plant the seedlings. Wherever needed, use a ruler to measure where to make the cuts, and a marker to outline the cutting lines for precision.
Next, cut small holes in the bottom of each bottle for drainage. I found it worked best to cut a hole the size of the spout of the milk bottle, inserting each milk bottle into the hole of another and using hot glue to seal them together. This will help to keep the bottles sturdily together and allow for water to drain from the top to the bottom.
Once you’re happy that your milk bottles are together in a good formation, cut long lengths of rope. I cut 2 lengths of about 3 meters for 3x 3L milk bottles. I folded the 2 ropes in half and, starting from the fold, knotted the ropes around the milk bottle from top to bottom, leaving a loop knot at the top to hang the vertical garden.
Hold the milk bottles up and test that they’re hanging well. You’re milk bottles should be firmly knotted together, sitting snug between the ropes with holes upright, ready for soil!
Here’s the fun part! Fill each bottle half with potting soil, leaving some space at the top for planting.
Add your favorite plants or seeds into the soil, making sure to evenly distribute them in each planter. (See the Fun Planting Session below for more tips on planting your vertical garden)
Hang the bottles vertically on a wall, fence, or trellis in a sunny location where they can receive adequate sunlight.
Once planted, gently water the plants to help them settle into their new home. Watch as the water trickles from the top, all the way out the bottom.
With your DIY Milk Bottle Vertical Garden ready to go, it's time to move on to a fun planting session with your kids in the next section!
Fun Planting Session
Now comes the exciting part - getting your hands dirty with a fun planting session! Let your kids choose their favorite seeds or seedlings to plant in the bottles, allowing them to take ownership of their mini garden. We chose plants that would hang well like mint and strawberries! As you plant together, talk about the importance of caring for plants and watching them grow. This hands-on activity not only fosters creativity but also teaches valuable lessons about responsibility, nurturing and caring for living things. Get ready to see your vertical garden come to life with the help of your little gardening buddies!
Tips for Maintenance
After your DIY milk bottle vertical garden is planted, it's important to ensure proper maintenance for healthy and vibrant growth. Regularly check the soil moisture levels by gently pressing your finger into the soil and looking at the damp through the clear bottles. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Be mindful not to overwater, plastic bottles keep moisture in and take a while for the soil to dry. Overwatering can lead to mold and root rot. Place your vertical garden in a spot that receives adequate sunlight for the plant species you've chosen. If your plants are too damp for too long, add a few little holes to the bottles with pin pricks for extra drainage. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases, and address them promptly to avoid any damage to your plants. With a little care and attention, your milk bottle vertical garden will flourish and bring joy to your home.
Get ready to reap the benefits of your DIY milk bottle vertical garden as it brings life to your space with beautiful greenery and delicious fruit, veg or herbs.
Benefits of DIY Milk Bottle Vertical Gardens
One of the key benefits of DIY milk bottle vertical gardens is the ability to maximize limited space. Whether you live in an apartment with a small balcony or a house with a tiny backyard, vertical gardens allow you to grow a variety of plants in a vertical arrangement, making the most of your space. In addition to their space-saving nature, these gardens also provide a unique and eye-catching aesthetic for any living space.
Another advantage of DIY milk bottle vertical gardens is their versatility. You have the freedom to choose the plants that best suit your taste and needs, whether you prefer herbs for cooking, colorful flowers, or succulents for low-maintenance greenery. The vertical design allows for easy access to your plants, making it convenient to water, prune, and harvest.
These gardens are also a sustainable and eco-friendly way to recycle used milk bottles. By repurposing these containers into planters, you are not only reducing waste but also contributing to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. This hands-on approach to gardening can be a fun and educational activity for kids, teaching them about the importance of reusing, upcycling, sustainability and caring for the environment.
As you enjoy the benefits of your DIY milk bottle vertical garden, you'll discover the joy and satisfaction that comes from nurturing plants and watching them thrive. With a touch of creativity and a little effort, you can create a beautiful and productive garden that brings life and vitality to your home.
So here we are! Creating a DIY Milk Bottle Vertical Garden is not only a fun and educational project for you and your kids, but it also brings numerous benefits to your outdoor space. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips for maintenance, you can cultivate a unique garden that promotes sustainability and creativity. As you embark on this gardening adventure, remember that the joy and beauty of nurturing something from seed to bloom is a gift in itself - especially for our families. So, gather your supplies and get ready to craft your very own vertical garden - a masterpiece that grows with love and care.
Happy gardening!
