What you’ll need:

• Milk cartons ( any size )
• Sharp knife
• Tape (masking or duct)
• Soil
• Stones
• Seeds or plant bulbs
• Plant name tags (optional)
• Decorating materials:
• Paint (poster paint or latex paint is recommended) or Decoupage – glue, paper (wrapping paper or any other colourful paper will work) or cloth material, varnish
  

1. Take an empty milk carton and clean it thoroughly with soap and water.
2. If the carton’s top was opened for pouring, seal it shut with a strong tape.
3. Lie the milk carton on a sturdy surface and with a sharp knife cut one of the sides out of the carton. Be sure and leave a 3/4 to 1 inch border which keeps the carton strong.
4. Once cut your planter is ready for decoration.
   a. If you are painting, make sure you first place newspaper under the planter so that no paint spills on any furniture or the floor. Paint your design and let it dry completely before continuing.
   b. If you want to decoupage, you should also first place newspaper under your planter. Tear your paper into strips and glue it to the milk carton. Carefully glue them onto the carton. Apply a thick coat of varnish over the paper which will make it waterproof and give it a glossy finish.
5. When the carton is completely dry, set it on its side so that the open panel is facing up. Add a layer of small stones about 1/2 inch thick to the bottom of the carton.
6. Pour in the soil and fill it to the top of the carton.
7. Add in your seed(s) or plant bulb(s). Larger cartons ( 1L and 2L ) can take several bulbs or seeds.
8. If you are making several planters you may want to add name tags for each so that you remember what you planted in each.
   

Don’t forget to water your plants and give them plenty of sunlight.