Milk Carton Herb Gardens: A Fun and Frugal Way to Grow Herbs
Making a milk carton herb garden is a great way to combine recycling with the joy of gardening. These money-saving paper carton herb containers are not only simple to make, but also decorative and educational for kids.
DIY Herb Carton Planters
You can make DIY herb carton planters from any size milk carton, but the half-gallon size provides enough root space for growing herbs. There are three different ways to craft these planters:
- Cut off the top: Cut off the folded portion of the milk carton and discard it. This creates a tall, thin planter.
- Cut in half: Cut the milk carton in half. Plant herbs in the top (folded) portion and insert it into the bottom half, which serves as a drip tray.
- Long planters: Cut one side out of the milk container and plant lengthwise. This gives you the most growing space per milk carton.
Before planting herbs, poke drainage holes in the bottom of the container using a nail or screwdriver. Wash the milk carton thoroughly and let it dry for 24 hours before decorating.
Decorating DIY Herb Carton Planters
You can use the prepared milk cartons as-is, but the fun part is decorating them. Here are some creative ideas:
- Paint: Paint the outside of the milk carton herb garden planter with spray paint or acrylics. You can match the planter to your room’s decor or keep it simple.
- Adhesive paper: Decorate the sides of the planters with duct tape, shelf liner, or self-adhesive craft foam. This adds support and makes the planters more durable.
- Animal friend: Trace the ear shape of your favorite animal above the cut line on one side of the container. Cut around the “ears” to include them in the planter. Cover or paint all sides of the carton and add eyes, mouth, nose, and whiskers to create the face of your animal friend.
- Ribbon, yarn, and buttons: Use leftover craft supplies to decorate your milk carton with scraps of ribbon, spare buttons, or hot-glue yarn around the sides.
- Craft sticks: Glue wooden craft sticks to the outside of the paper carton herb containers and paint or stain them. This adds extra support and makes the planters more sturdy.
Planting Herbs in Milk Carton Herb Gardens
Once your planters are decorated, fill them with quality potting soil and plant your favorite herbs. Place your milk carton herb garden in a sunny location and water regularly.
Benefits of Milk Carton Herb Gardens
Educational: Milk carton herb gardens are a great way to teach children about gardening, recycling, and the importance of growing their own food.
Fun and creative: Decorating milk carton herb planters is a fun and creative activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Inexpensive: Milk carton herb gardens are a budget-friendly way to grow herbs.
Eco-friendly: Repurposing milk cartons for gardening is an eco-friendly way to reduce waste.
Tips for Growing Herbs in Milk Carton Herb Gardens
- Choose herbs that are suitable for your climate and growing conditions.
- Water your herbs regularly, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilize your herbs every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Protect your herbs from pests and diseases by using natural methods such as companion planting and neem oil.
Conclusion
Milk carton herb gardens are a fun, easy, and educational way to grow your own herbs. They are a great way to save money, reduce waste, and enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs in your cooking and home decor.
