Plastic bottle vertical garden
Create a vertical garden using recycled plastic bottles to promote recycling, sustainability, and urban gardening! By the end of this activity, Scouts will have a functional vertical garden they can maintain at home, contributing to a greener world and understanding the benefits of recycling and sustainable living.
For Each Scout or Group:
- Empty plastic bottles (2liter size recommended)
- Soil or potting mix
- Seeds or seedlings (herbs, flowers, small vegetables)
- String or wire
- Scissors or utility knife
- Hammer and nails or awl (for making holes)
- Ruler and marker
- Watering can or spray bottle
Optional Materials:
- Paint and brushes (for decorating the bottles)
- Small pebbles or gravel (for drainage)
- Fertilizer (for plant growth)
- Protective gloves (for handling sharp tools)
Before the Activity:
- Collect plastic bottles: Encourage Scouts to bring empty plastic bottles from home or organise a bottle collection drive.
- Prepare a workspace: Set up a clean, well-lit workspace with enough room for each Scout or group to work comfortably.
- Gather materials: Ensure all necessary materials are available and organised.
- Prepare a demonstration: If possible, create a sample vertical garden to show Scouts what the finished product will look like.
Step 1: Introduction (10 minutes)
- Welcome and overview: Welcome Scouts and provide an overview of the activity.
- Discussion on recycling: Briefly discuss the importance of recycling and how repurposing plastic bottles helps reduce waste.
- Explain the project: Explain the concept of vertical gardening and its benefits, such as space-saving and improved air quality.
Step 2: Preparing the bottles (20 minutes)
- Clean the bottles: Ensure all the plastic bottles are clean and free of labels.
- Mark the bottles: Use a ruler and marker to draw a rectangle on the side of each bottle. This will be the planting area.
- Draw small holes around the bottom of the bottle for drainage.
- Cut the bottles: Carefully cut out the rectangles using scissors or a utility knife. Poke small holes at the bottom of each bottle using a nail and hammer or awl for drainage.
- Create hanging holes: Poke two holes near the top of the bottle, opposite each other, for the string or wire to pass through.
Step 3: Assembling the vertical garden (20 minutes)
- Thread the string or wire: Cut a piece of string or wire long enough to hang multiple bottles vertically.
- Thread the string through the holes at the top of each bottle and tie knots to secure them in place.
- Arrange the bottles: Space the bottles evenly along the string or wire, leaving enough room for plant growth.
- Secure the string or wire to a sturdy structure, such as a fence or balcony railing.
Step 4: Filling the Bottles (20 minutes)
- Add Drainage Layer: Place a small amount of pebbles or gravel at the bottom of each bottle for drainage.
- Fill with Soil: Fill each bottle with soil or potting mix, leaving about an inch from the top.
- Planting: Plant seeds or seedlings in the soil according to the instructions on the seed packet or plant label.
Step 5: Watering and Maintenance (10 minutes)
- Water the Plants: Gently water the plants using a watering can or spray bottle. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Maintenance Tips: Place the vertical garden in a location with adequate sunlight.
- Water the plants regularly and monitor their growth.
- Add fertilizer as needed to promote healthy growth.
The Importance of Recycling
- Environmental Impact: Discuss how recycling helps reduce waste in landfills and conserves natural resources.
- Creative Repurposing: Highlight the benefits of repurposing materials for new uses, such as creating a vertical garden.
Benefits of vertical gardening
- Space-Saving: Explain how vertical gardens are ideal for small spaces, making them perfect for urban environments.
- Improved Air Quality: Discuss how plants improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Emphasize how vertical gardens can enhance the visual appeal of an area.
Basic gardening skills
- Plant Selection: Teach Scouts how to choose the right plants for their vertical garden, considering factors like sunlight, water needs, and growth habits.
- Soil Preparation: Explain the importance of using quality soil and proper drainage to ensure healthy plant growth.
- Watering Techniques: Demonstrate proper watering techniques to avoid overwatering or under-watering the plants.
Reflection questions
- What did you learn about recycling and its importance during this activity?
- How can creating a vertical garden contribute to a greener world?
- What challenges did you face while building your vertical garden, and how did you overcome them?
- How can you apply the skills you learned today in your daily life or community?
- What other items can you repurpose to create useful projects like the vertical garden?
Partner
This activity was developed by Tanzania Scouts Association.