Make a self-watering pot

Potting plants and remembering to water them can be tricky for some kids. If you have a forgetful Freddy, this project is perfect. Herbs, strawberries or even some flowers will thrive in this homemade self-watering pot.

What you need:

• supervising adult
• a plastic bottle (2 litres or bigger works best)
• scissors
• drill
• cotton string
• water
• potting mix
• seeds

Number of players:
1+

Activity:

Take your plastic bottle and cut it all the way around about a third of the way down.

Drill a hole in the lid of the bottle, allowing a piece of string to pass through.

Cut a piece of string as long as the bottle. This can be trimmed to proper size later.

Pass it through the lid of the bottle, tying a knot to secure and put the lid back on.

Put a small amount of water in the base of the bottle – about one-third of the way up.

Invert the top of the bottle and place it in the base of the bottle, allowing the string to dangle in the water.

The 2 bottle pieces should fit snug into each other, lid hovering over the water in the base.

Holding the rest of the string, add potting mix to the top of your bottle which should be acting as a pot.

The string can be cut when it is reaches half way through the potting mix or it can be left to go all the way through, there are no hard and fast rules.

Sow your seeds. The string will now absorb the water and water your seeds for you.

Notes:

• Keep an eye on the water level in the base of the pot. Depending on climate, the water may need replacing weekly.
• You can decorate your pot any way you like. Paint, glitter or other embellishments.