Despite the freezing February weather there are still plenty of gardening activities for kids to get involved with, to prepare for warmer times ahead. We have been saving yoghurt pots, milk bottles and jam jars as I don’t want to spend lots of money on plant pots this year and when I started cutting the milk bottles in half to make our plant pots I realised that the top half of the milk bottle was perfect for a watering jug!
To make a recycled planter and water jug you will need:
- A large plastic milk bottle with a handle;
- Scissors;
- PVA glue;
- Paint;
- Paint brushes.
First I cut the milk bottle in half with a pair of scissors. We used the bottom half to create our planter and the top half to create a water jug.
Then I made holes in the bottom of the planter to allow water to drain out.
Then we mixed some paint and PVA glue together to make a sticky paint to brighten up our recycled planters.
Then we painted the bottom and the top half of the milk bottle.
It took about half a day for the paint mix to dry and then we filled the bottom of the planter with stones and potting compost and planted some Narcissus in them to add some hope of Spring to the garden. Our new blooms needed a water to help them settle into their new home so we had our first opportunity to test our water jug.
The water jug has proved to be a real hit as it is much easier to use than a heavy watering can and ours have also been used as vessels for all kinds of exciting things like stones and feathers as well as water! We did find that after we had watered the plants a few times the paint started to come away from the jug so you might want to use permanent markers to decorate your water jugs instead.
Once the Narcissus stop flowering we will be putting our planters by the kitchen door and sowing lettuce in them. We just need some warmer weather *taps fingers*.
Have you been out in the garden this week with your children? Come and join in the Gardening With Kids Community on G+ and share your stories. We are also joining in with the fantastic Country Kids linky from Coombe Mill and if you love sharing the outdoors with your little ones do visit the Country Kids Community on G+ too.
Chris @thinlyspread says
What a lovely idea! I’ve seen cartons used as watering cans before but hadn’t thought to use the bottom as planters, lovely activity!
Chris recently posted…Gardening with Kids in February
I’m really trying to use any pots and containers that would otherwise go in our bin and the fact that I can use the whole milk bottle and get a little jug out of it for my son to play with is a bonus.
What a clever idea! Those jugs look great
Sarah MumofThree World recently posted…A simple spring flowers craft for children
The jugs are a real hit with my son and he has been using them indoors as well as in the garden for all sorts.
Thats such a lovely idea - and really perks things up a bit,…in time for Spring!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Vertbaudet Maternity Range
If Spring ever arrives! It is snowing here this morning and the ground is frozen so we won’t get much done this weekend either.
What a fun way to get the children involved in gardening. The watering jug is a perfect size for little hands to manage. Thanks for linking to #Country Kids.
Anything that involves water play and my son is there!
another reason why I want a garden. I don’t even really have much space to do some herbs. I just know my wee man would love it. He helped Nana and Grandad in Jamaica in their amazing garden and he just love it. That watering can idea is ace!
Brinabird and Son recently posted…A birthday surprise
This is a lovely idea
We planted lettuce seeds in our indoor greenhouse today, last year we left it too late and the weather got too warm. Let’s see what happens, I think it’s still a little bit too cold!
Catherine recently posted…The Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella by Abie Longstaff
what a great idea, my son would love this xx
wendy recently posted…Half Term Fun
great ideas Kirsty we always have a lot of milk bottles in the recycling bin, I keep meaning to do some gardening soon so I will bear your ideas in mind when the time comes. thank you for sharing x x
jenny paulin recently posted…Adventures Outdoors #2 (Country Kids)
That is such a great idea! I’m really hoping that Bob will be big enough to help in the garden this year. Thanks for linking up! x
What a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing
Jenny recently posted…Hand print birthday cake
I love it! I’m always trying to get the kids to help me out in the garden. They last all of ten minutes and then say they’re bored. My youngest would especially like this as he’s in to all things crafty and DIY.
that family feeling recently posted…5 children, 6 towels = 1 confused mother
Zoe @ecothrifty says
What a great idea! I keep wondering what I can do with my milk bottles - now I know!
Zoe recently posted…Upcycling etiquette
Simply wonderful. I love that it’s so achievable too..quick yet memorable. Thank you x
HonestMum recently posted…Watches of Switzerland Wish List
What a fabulous idea! Will definitely give it a try with the toddler
Mum of One recently posted…Prize Draw: Happy Mum-To-Be Day from Cussons Mum & Me
Love this, and great use of left over cartons etc - and they add nice colour to the garden!
Absolutely love this idea! Great post.
Mary recently posted…Sailing Santander to Portsmouth, Again
Great idea! I am sure my younger daughter would love it.
Funky Wellies recently posted…First Sunny Days
What a great idea. We have a plant sale in June to raise money to try and get allotments and I was wondering where I would find enough pots (and we get through tons of milk as Little Miss still loves her milk!) I think you’ve given me my answer!
Rollercoaster Mum recently posted…We love Florentine and Pig
Lovely idea… simply fab!
So many milk jars goes into a bin and so much money is spend for a new plant pots… we will be making some of them for sure
This post is just full of fab ideas - I love it! *makes note to self to get craftier*
Franglaise Mummy recently posted…Can you live without your smartphone?
Fab idea! Great way to recycle a milk carton x
Emily Greentree recently posted…Confidence Clothes and Accessories: February
I have to admit I’m not a gardener, but the kids love it so I spent time with them and tried to learn as we went along. We don’t need the planters because we have some big raised beds, but I like the idea of using milk bottles as watering cans.
Kate Davis recently posted…I’m scared of the cloud
How spooky, I was thinking today about doing this! We’ve been reporting beans, so nice to do some gardening with the kids 😀
Kate Williams recently posted…Celebrating IWD 2014 - Interview With Rachel Goswell
great idea, we’ve got lots of plans for the garden over the next couple of weeks this will come in handy!
HPMcQ recently posted…365 06.03.14
What a brilliant idea - I love things like this and it adds colour to the garden too.
i’ve actually been meaning to do something like this for a while. i don’t drink milk myself, but my boyfriend does, and it’s a easy (and resourceful) way to do a little planting.
laura redburn recently posted…snapshots of my week - 8th march