YOUTH FROM SAND CREEK’S GENERATION WILD PROGRAM DIY Upcycled Milk Jug Planters

What do you do when you and your family finish a container of milk? Sure, you can recycle it, but there are also plenty of other ways to put the plastic jug to use, like a Milk Jug Planter!

This kid friendly activity teaches kids about recycling, plant life, and the benefits of growing their own food. Plus, it is super easy and fun!

You will need: • Clean and dry milk jug (can be any type and any size) • Scissors • Permanent Markers, paint, stickers (anything to decorate the jug) • Planters soil • Seeds or live plant • A sunny place inside for the plant to grow

How to: ***Steps 1-3 should be performed by an adult or with close adult supervision***

1. First give your milk bottle a thorough clean with water and remove labels.

2. Using the scissors, remove the top and handle of the plastic bottle. You will want to leave at least 5 inches of depth. For kids, draw a line for them to follow while cutting the jug.

3. Next, flip the bottle over and, using scissors, poke four to six 1/2 inch slits on the bottom of the jug. This will allow room for water to drain. Be very careful of fingers while doing this!

4. Decorate the planter. While this is optional, it's a chance to be creative or to hand it over to the kids for some garden decorating fun. Get as creative as you wish when decorating your milk jug. You could even “bling” out your jug using faux jewels or cover the jug with stickers. Use tempera paint for the best application if you plan to paint it or you could add on with papier-mâché. Perhaps create an animal face and then paint it.

5. Pour in the soil. Put a paper plate or newspaper underneath the milk jug before you do this in order avoid picking it up and leaving dirt on the table. Fill almost to the top of the opening.

6. If you're adding a seedling, use a hand shovel to dig a nook inside the soil deep enough to cover the plant to its base. For seed placement, use your finger to push the seeds underneath the dirt.

7. Add water to get the plant started. Be sure the planter is in an area that can receive water runoff (such as outside in the grass or you've placed a plastic tray underneath).

8. Water your plants or seeds often and keep in a warm sunny place. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not muddy. MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN!