Make DIY Planter Boxes From Recycled Material

All Activities

Build small DIY planter boxes using recycled bottles, cartons, and cardboard; decorate, add soil and seeds, and learn about plants and recycling.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make DIY planter boxes from recycled materials

What you need

Recycled plastic bottles, empty milk or juice cartons, cardboard pieces like cereal boxes, scissors, tape or glue, potting soil, seeds for planting, spoon or small trowel, marker, coloring materials such as paints markers or crayons, water cup or small watering can, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather your recycled bottles cartons and cardboard and put them on your work table.

Step 2

Rinse each bottle and carton under running water to remove dirt and leftover liquids.

Step 3

Dry each item completely with a towel or let them air dry.

Step 4

Pick one clean recycled item to turn into your first planter.

Step 5

Use the marker to draw a cutting line where you want the top of your planter to be.

Step 6

With adult help cut along the line to make the planter opening.

Step 7

With adult help poke 3 to 5 small drainage holes in the bottom of the planter.

Step 8

If you are using cardboard fold it into a box shape and seal the edges with tape or glue.

Step 9

Decorate the outside of your planter with paint markers stickers or crayons.

Step 10

Let your decorations dry completely before you touch the planter.

Step 11

Fill the planter about two thirds full with potting soil using the spoon or trowel.

Step 12

Make a small hole in the soil place your seed inside and cover it gently with soil.

Step 13

Water the soil gently with a cup until it is just damp but not soaking.

Step 14

Put your planter in a sunny spot and watch for sprouts every day.

Step 15

Take a photo of your finished recycled planter and share it on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use instead of potting soil, paint markers, or a trowel if we don't have them?

If you don't have potting soil, paint markers, or a trowel, fill the planter two thirds full for the 'Fill the planter' step with a mix of garden soil and compost or shredded paper, decorate with crayons or stickers instead of paint markers, and use a large spoon in place of a trowel.

My cardboard planter is sagging or leaking after I add soil—what should I check or do?

If the cardboard planter is sagging or leaking, reinforce the folded edges with extra tape when you 'fold it into a box shape and seal the edges', line the inside with a clean plastic bag before you 'Fill the planter', and make sure the 3 to 5 drainage holes at the bottom aren't blocked.

How can this activity be adapted for different ages like toddlers, elementary kids, and older kids?

For toddlers let an adult do the 'With adult help cut' and 'poke 3 to 5 small drainage holes' steps while the child draws lines and decorates, elementary kids can measure, cut with supervision and plant seeds themselves, and older kids can design multi-cell planters and drill proper drainage holes under adult supervision.

How can we extend or personalize the recycled planter project to make it more fun or longer-lasting?

To personalize and improve longevity, let your decorations fully dry, then add a layer of clear waterproof tape or non-toxic sealant after 'Let your decorations dry completely', attach a labeled popsicle-stick plant marker, and group several recycled planters into a mini garden for sharing on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make DIY planter boxes from recycled materials

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Upcycled Tin Can Planter, Earth Day Craft || Crayola CIY

3 Videos

Facts about gardening and recycling for kids

🌱 Radishes and lettuce can sprout in just 3–7 days, so you'll often see tiny shoots very quickly!

♻️ Reusing a plastic bottle as a planter keeps it out of the trash — about 1 million plastic bottles are bought every minute worldwide.

📦 Cardboard is biodegradable and makes a great seed-starter pot you can plant directly into the soil.

💧 Small DIY planters dry out faster than big pots, so they may need watering every day in warm weather.

🌼 Even a few small planters can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies and help local wildlife.

How do I make DIY planter boxes from recycled bottles, cartons, and cardboard?

Cut bottles or cartons to desired height and make drainage holes in the base. Reinforce cardboard with tape and a plastic lining if needed. Assemble box shapes with glue or tape, add a layer of small rocks, then potting soil. Plant seeds or seedlings, water gently, and place in a bright spot. Let children decorate with paint, stickers, or markers. Supervise sharp tools and wet soil handling.

What materials do I need to build recycled planter boxes at home?

Gather clean recycled bottles, milk cartons, egg cartons, or sturdy cardboard; scissors or a craft knife (adult use), pencil and ruler, strong tape or glue, and a plastic liner if you want extra waterproofing. You’ll also need small rocks for drainage, potting soil, seeds or seedlings, paint/markers/stickers for decorating, and a small watering can. Optional: a tray to catch excess water and gloves for messy hands.

What ages are suitable for making recycled planter boxes, and how much supervision is needed?

This activity suits preschoolers (3–5) with heavy adult help, elementary kids (6–10) with limited supervision, and older children (11+) who can use tools more independently. Younger children can focus on decorating and planting while adults cut and prepare containers. Adapt tasks like measuring, cutting, and tool use to skill level; always supervise when scissors, knives, or hot glue are involved.

What are the benefits of making planter boxes from recycled materials?

Creating planter boxes from recyclables teaches recycling, plant biology, and responsibility. Kids gain fine motor skills through cutting and decorating, learn cause-and-effect by tending plants, and develop patience watching growth. It’s low-cost, sparks creativity, and encourages outdoor time. The project also builds environmental awareness by repurposing waste into useful items and can be extended into lessons about composting and native plants.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Make DIY Planter Boxes From Recycled Material

Build small DIY planter boxes using recycled bottles, cartons, and cardboard; decorate, add soil and seeds, and learn about plants and recycling.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make DIY planter boxes from recycled materials

What you need

Step 1

Gather your recycled bottles cartons and cardboard and put them on your work table.

Step 2

Rinse each bottle and carton under running water to remove dirt and leftover liquids.

Step 3

Dry each item completely with a towel or let them air dry.

Step 4

Pick one clean recycled item to turn into your first planter.

Step 5

Use the marker to draw a cutting line where you want the top of your planter to be.

Step 6

With adult help cut along the line to make the planter opening.

Step 7

With adult help poke 3 to 5 small drainage holes in the bottom of the planter.

Step 8

If you are using cardboard fold it into a box shape and seal the edges with tape or glue.

Step 9

Decorate the outside of your planter with paint markers stickers or crayons.

Step 10

Let your decorations dry completely before you touch the planter.

Step 11

Fill the planter about two thirds full with potting soil using the spoon or trowel.

Step 12

Make a small hole in the soil place your seed inside and cover it gently with soil.

Step 13

Water the soil gently with a cup until it is just damp but not soaking.

Step 14

Put your planter in a sunny spot and watch for sprouts every day.

Step 15

Take a photo of your finished recycled planter and share it on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use instead of potting soil, paint markers, or a trowel if we don't have them?

My cardboard planter is sagging or leaking after I add soil—what should I check or do?

How can this activity be adapted for different ages like toddlers, elementary kids, and older kids?

How can we extend or personalize the recycled planter project to make it more fun or longer-lasting?

Watch videos on how to make DIY planter boxes from recycled materials

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Upcycled Tin Can Planter, Earth Day Craft || Crayola CIY

3 Videos

Facts about gardening and recycling for kids

🌱 Radishes and lettuce can sprout in just 3–7 days, so you'll often see tiny shoots very quickly!

♻️ Reusing a plastic bottle as a planter keeps it out of the trash — about 1 million plastic bottles are bought every minute worldwide.

📦 Cardboard is biodegradable and makes a great seed-starter pot you can plant directly into the soil.

💧 Small DIY planters dry out faster than big pots, so they may need watering every day in warm weather.

🌼 Even a few small planters can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies and help local wildlife.