This week's fun activity... POPSICLE STICK PLANTER

It’s time to grow some plants!   For this week’s activity, we’re going to build a fun planter with things you might have around the house, fill it with soil, and then grow some simple herbs from seeds that are quick and easy for kids to grow.

Materials: Tin can (a soup or vegetable can or similar) Popsicle Sticks Rubber Band Ribbon Markers or Paint Gravel Soil Herb Seeds (Mint, Basil, Parsley, Cilantro are very easy and fast to grow from seed – beans are also extremely fast to grow)

Step 1 – Clean Clean your tin can and remove the label.  If you’re growing your herbs outdoors, poke a few small holes in the bottom of the can for drainage, otherwise leave the can as is if you’re keeping it indoors.  Tip: To reduce any sharp edges – smooth the opening with sandpaper or apply a thick line of hot glue around the edge.

Step 2 – Rubber Band Take a thick rubber band and wrap it around the can.   We’ll use this to hold the popsicle sticks to the can instead of glue.

Step 3 – Decorate Paint, color, and draw on your popsicle sticks.   You’ll need to decorate enough sticks to cover the entire outside of the tin can!

Step 4 - Attach Slide a decorated popsicle stick under the rubber band to attach it to the tin can.   From that starting point, place more popsicle sticks next to the last one, each time sliding it under your rubber band.   Continue doing this until the entire can is covered by your decorated sticks.

Step 5 – Cover Cut a length of ribbon to wrap around the can.   Use this to cover and hide the rubber band.

Step 6 – Fill Pour a tiny bit of gravel or small rocks into the can, just covering the bottom. This acts as drainage so the plant stays healthy.   Remember, if you’re keeping your can planter outside, you should have a few holes poked through the bottom!   Once you have your rocks added, fill the can to the top with soil.

Step 7 – Add Place your seeds on top and gently press them into the soil.   Add a little water, and move your planter into a sunny location. A south-facing window is the best for growing herbs inside.  Tip: You can also directly add already grown herbs or flowers instead!

Step 8 – Grow Water you tin planter whenever the soil feels dry, and watch your seeds grow!   Mint, basil, and seeds from the parsley family (like cilantro) will sprout quickly, otherwise fill your planter with already grown plants!

YOUR FBBG MEMBERSHIPS  We are renewing memberships remotely. You will receive a temporary card in the mail until we are able to send out membership packets. If you have any questions about memberships, please contact Dkoepsel@fbbg.org You can purchase a membership on-line by clicking here . THANK YOU!

We’d love to see your creativity! Tag us on:  Facebook ( Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens )  Twitter (@FBBG) or Instagram (friendsofbbg)  to show off your Popsicle Stick Planters or any of our weekly activities!

Continue to watch for our weekly fun activities for all ages to enjoy!