DIY for Kids: Make an Upside-Down Tomato Planter from Plastic Recycled Soft Drink Container

Encourage your children to recycle materials and learn green methods by creating a fun upside-down tomato planter. This inexpensive project uses a 2 liter plastic soft drink container that you recycle instead of adding to a landfill.

Supplies Needed for Recycled Upside-Down Tomato Planter

1 2 liter plastic soft drink container, clean and dry

Twine

Sturdy tape such as duct tape or colored electrician's tape

Hole Punch

Tomato plant start (a Sweet 100 is used in the example project - see photo)

Soil

Slow release fertilizer

Scissors

Craft paint, sealant, and paint brush (optional)

How to Make an Upside-Down Tomato Planter from a Recycled Soft Drink Container

1. Cut the bottom portion of the plastic soft drink container. This large opening will become the top of your new tomato planter.

2. Cut the small threaded throat of container. Be careful not to cut to high on the container. This will become the opening for the tomato plant to hang upside down. You need a slightly larger opening to pull the plant through without causing it damage.

3. Let your child use the craft paint to decorate the soft drink container (optional).

4. Let the paint dry.

5. Apply clear craft paint sealant so that the paint does not run when it gets wet. Allow to dry.

6. Use the tape as a laminate to the wide opening of the container. Apply the tape securely around the wide opening for added strength. In the example, I used red electrician's tape to make a nice contrast with the craft paint.

7. Use the hole punch to create 4 punches in the taped area of the wide opening. Space the 4 punches equally around the diameter.

8. Cut 2 lengths of twine about 30 inches long each. Set aside.

9. Remove tomato plant start from the nursery container. Be sure to recycle the container!

10. Add the tomato plant to the soft drink container very carefully so that the top of the plant hangs upside down through the narrow opening. The roots should point upwards towards the taped wide opening. Take your time with this step and help young children.

11. Add the twine. Knot the first end of one piece to one hole in the container. Knot the second end of that piece of twine to the opposite hole. Repeat with the second piece of twine. You should have 2 pieces of looped twine at the top when finished. Add a knot about 6 inches or so from the top of the2 pieces of twine to create a sturdy loop for hanging.

12. Add some soil to the top of the tomato roots. Add soil until it reaches just below the taped wide end of the container.

13. Mix in slow release fertilizer into the top layers of soil according to the package instructions.

14. Hang your newly created upside-down tomato plant container in a sunny location.

15. Be sure to water as needed and encourage your fresh, home-grown tomatoes this summer!