No plantpots? No worries!

In a bid to cut down my spending and save by binmen labouring with my ever-growing recycling bins, I have made plantpots/holders out of old milk cartons. I use the smaller litre containers the most, although this technique works for all of the up to the 4 litre whoppers.

First, drink you milk and give your container a good wash (they can get a bit smelly if they're not cleaned!)

Next, get yourself a Stanley knife, craft knife or scalpel and cut around the line underneath the handle, where the smooth upper area joins to the textured lower area. There should now be two pieces. Don't worry too much about how neat the edges are, it doesn't really matter. Also, slugs apparently hate traversing the spiky plastic edges, so this will serve as a convenient barrier to stop them getting at your plants ;)

Now the magic happens; turn the top piece with the handle upside down and drop it into the the bottom section,. It should plop in there quite nicely.

Holy smokes! Whats this?! A milk carton plantpot! The hole at the back (what used to be the handle) is great for watering, and the bottom of the container will act as a reservoir.

Now plant with something! I've been filling mine with lettuce, although I intend to holepunch the back panel of platic and hand with string to make 'hanging basklets' next year. A bit of moss or similar in the bottom would stop them drying out so fast.

I had these on the presentation stand last week, and if you see any on there please take one! On a sunny window ledge these will do great. And some water-based acrylic paint would provide a great opportunity for young children (and creative adults of course) to decorate and brighten up the container.

And to think you were going to throw it away! :D