Plastic Tub Gardens

So many kids that I work with tell me they want a garden but their parents say they just don’t have room for a garden. 

​You know what I say to them?  “WHATEVER!” Even a small old plastic tub like this one that was once used to keep toy dinosars in will work.  ​

Putting a garden in a plastic tub like this is just a simple form of container gardening.  All you need is a small sunny spot to put the tub once it’s planted and add some extra water from time to time.  The best thing about this is it’s kid-sized so it’s not overwhelming for small hands. 

Turn the tub upside down and to put holes in the bottom. The holes can either be cut or drilled and should be about 4 inches apart! Grab a ruler and help your child learn how far 4 inches is.  (What else can you find in the yard that is 4 inches?  Yes, every opportunity in the garden creates another opportunity to learn some more.)​​

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Once the holes are made, fill the tub up with potting soil and add your new plants! It’s that easy. Just don’t put too many plants in there. For a container this size 2 or 3 small herbs or plants is the max.  The roots need room to spread out as they get bigger and you don’t want them to get tangled with each other. 
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Then just remember to water the tub enough to keep the soil moist or damp but never where it’s completely under water.  Anytime you plant in a container you have to keep an eye on them as they dry out faster than planting right into the dirt.  Water the soil when it starts to feel dry! ​

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ADULT HELPER NOTE:

​If you have a lid that goes with the container place it underneath and then stack two bricks on it before putting the container down. This will help show young gardeners how drainage works. ​

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Lisa Ely

Lisa Ely Gardens was a natural transition during a lifetime love of the outdoors. From television and media producer traveling the globe experiencing tastes and cultures around the world, to children's author, and now to creating open and visually stunning garden spaces for students and families to experience dynamic lessons in outdoor community classrooms, Lisa Ely is always developing something new, fun and exciting.
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