Consider the reuseable items you use every day that are often thrown out—a water bottle, a tin can, old toys. How can you breathe new life into these items, allowing something to grow inside? After choosing your vessel, design your own planter and find out. As your plants grow, find out how easy it is to make the earth greener! Share your projects using #CMACivicKids.

What you’ll need:

• Tin Can, Water Bottle, or any other recyclable material that holds water
• Awl
• Paint
• Paint Brush
• Tape
• Potting Soil
• Seeds
• Scissors

STEPS

1. Find a clean tin can or water bottle with a flat bottom. If using a water bottle, carefully cut the top and tape the top lip to prevent sharp edges.Use the awl to push three holes in the bottom of the vessel. This will help with drainage of your new plant!

2. Paint or design the outside your planter any way you’d like! How will it transform?

3. Let your planter dry off. Pot your plant and add your seeds. Enjoy watching your plants grow from your upcycled creation!

This program is supported, in part, by the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts with support of Governor Andrew Cuomo, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. CIVICKIDS is sponsored by Google.