Plastic Herb Planters

30-45 min

Novice

Ages 5+

What Will You Learn?

Do you have a pile of plastic containers you never use? Put them to work by creating a plastic herb garden paradise. It’s a great way to recycle your plastic, plus it puts fresh herbs at your fingertips.

Select Containers

Step 1

Containers that work best are ones that are solid in color. Clear and translucent containers can grow mold inside, so it’s best to stay away from those. Choose a lid for each container that fits comfortably under the base. This will collect water overflow.

We used all the scrap plastic we could get our hands on for this project: food storage containers, a Frisbee, a small bucket, even a plastic piggy bank. You’ll be surprised at the plastic scrap you can dig up once you start looking.

Drill a Water Drainage Hole

Step 2

Place the scrap wood on a flat surface and center the bottom of your container on the wood. Drill a hole in the bottom center of the container. Make sure that the plastic is flush against the wood, otherwise the plastic can bend and crack.

Plant your Seeds

Step 3

Place several medium-sized rocks in the bottom of the container. This will help the water drain through the pot. Fill the rest of the container with potting soil until it reaches about 1⁄2″ from the top. Place the container atop the lid.

Step 4

Put your seeds or plants into the soil, and then sit back and watch them grow.

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