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Making Terrariums and Planters from Soda Bottles: A Fun and Educational Project for Kids
Terrariums and planters made from soda bottles are a great way to introduce kids to the joy of gardening. They’re fun, easy to make, and can be used to grow a variety of plants.
Materials You’ll Need
- Clean 2-liter plastic soda bottle
- Pebbles
- Charcoal
- Sphagnum moss
- Potting mix
- Small plants
- Scissors
How to Make a Terrarium
- Wash and dry the soda bottle.
- Draw a line around the bottle about 6 to 8 inches from the bottom.
- Cut the bottle with a pair of sharp scissors.
- Place the top of the bottle aside for later.
- Put a 1 to 2-inch layer of pebbles in the bottom of the bottle.
- Sprinkle a small handful of charcoal over the pebbles. (Note: Charcoal is not absolutely required, but it will help keep your terrarium smelling fresh.)
- Top the charcoal with a thin layer of sphagnum moss.
- Add enough potting mix to fill the bottle up to about one inch from the top.
- Plant your small plants.
- Slide the top of the bottle over the bottom.
How to Make a Planter
- Cut a hole in the side of the soda bottle, large enough for both soil and plants to fit in.
- Add some drainage holes to the opposite side.
- Fill the bottom with pebbles and top with potting soil.
- Add your desired plants.
Caring for Your Terrarium or Planter
- Place your terrarium or planter in semi-bright light.
- Water sparingly to keep the soil slightly moist. (Be careful not to overwater, as plants in a soda bottle have very little drainage and will rot in soggy soil.)
- You can place the bottle planter on a tray in a well-lit location or add some holes on either side of the plant opening for easy hanging outdoors.
Tips for Success
- Choose plants that tolerate moist, humid environments.
- Select plants of different sizes and textures to create an interesting terrarium.
- Replace plants if they outgrow the terrarium.
- Consider using easy-care annuals for your planter.
Benefits of Soda Bottle Gardening
- It’s a fun and educational activity for kids.
- It’s a great way to recycle old soda bottles.
- It’s a low-cost way to start a garden.
- It’s a great way to teach kids about the importance of plants and the environment.
With a little creativity, you can use soda bottles to create a variety of terrariums and planters. So get started today and enjoy the many benefits of soda bottle gardening!
