Involving kids in the garden teaches them about nature and responsibility, while providing wonderful opportunities for creating lasting family memories. Recycling projects also teach valuable lessons in reusing and reducing waste.
Gardening and recycling projects provide perfect opportunities for children to learn about environmental awareness. Creating hanging baskets with recyclable materials provides a way to teach both concepts in one project.
Hanging Baskets with Recycled Water, Soda or Juice Bottles
Instead of throwing out plastic water bottles or sending them to the recycling bin, transform them into interesting and useful hanging baskets. You can use small or large bottles, depending on the size of the plant.
- Cut the top off the bottle with scissors or a sharp knife so the sides are even.
- Pierce several small holes in the bottom of the bottle to allow for drainage. You can do this with the tip of a knife or by placing the bottle on a wooden board and hammering holes in the bottom with a nail.
- Cut one hole in each side, half to one inch from the top in the center, for a total of four.
- Cut four pieces of twine, double the desired length for the hanger.
- Thread one piece of twine through each hole, lining up the ends and tying off with a knot.
- Line up the four strands and tie a knot to connect them. Tie a loop in the combined ends for hanging.
- Decorate the containers with scraps of ribbon, beads, colored bottle caps or other materials to personalize the containers. Use hot glue or other waterproof glue to attach decorations.
Avoid milk containers or other containers used for dairy or meat products, as the fats may seep into the plastic and the soil, affecting plant growth.
Transforming Old Plastic Containers into Hanging Baskets
Old plastic planters or recyclable plastic tubs can also make interesting hanging baskets. Cut or drill holes in the sides and attach twine for a hanger.
Decorate the outside of the containers with waterproof, outdoor paint or cover with any decorative covering. Fabric scraps work well for indoor plants or in locations where the containers hang out of the rain.
You can also cover plastic containers with a thin layer of concrete mixture and embed small stones or shells in the hardening concrete.
Growing Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs in Homemade Hanging Baskets
Use the hanging baskets for planting all kinds of herbs or small vegetable and fruit plants. Herbs grow well in hanging baskets. You can grow small berries such as strawberries, blackberries and raspberries in these containers; a great choice for keeping them contained, as they have a habit of spreading and taking over a garden.
Hang the baskets around the yard, garden fences or deck posts. They also make great gifts for friends and family. (See Growing Cherry Tomatoes in Hanging Baskets for more information.)
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Malysa Stratton Louk - Malysa Stratton Louk is a freelance writer, journalist & photographer in the Pacific Northwest. View her full profile for more ...
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