"10 Weeks of Summer" - Week #1

Posted Date: 6/01/25 (2:00 PM)

Summer Week #1

🌞 Summer Fun at the Vernon Township Public Library! 🌱

Looking for a cool and creative way to beat the heat this summer? Swing by the Vernon Township Public Library and dive into a fun, eco-friendly project the whole family can enjoy!

We’re inviting all green thumbs (and curious beginners!) to make your very own DIY water bottle planter using recycled materials and seeds from the free Seed Bank. It’s the perfect way to give new life to an old bottle and grow something beautiful—right at home.

Whether you plant flowers to brighten your windowsill or herbs to spice up your summer meals, this activity is a great way to explore sustainability, creativity, and the joy of gardening.

🌼 Seeds are free while supplies last—just bring an empty water bottle and your imagination!

📚 While you're here, don’t forget to check out our summer reading programs, gardening books, and hands-on workshops. There’s something blooming for everyone at the Vernon Township Public Library.

Let’s grow something great together this summer!

Have a great week!

Dr. Lori Katz, MVMS Principal

DIY Water Bottle Planter

Materials: Empty plastic water bottle, soil, small plant or seeds, scissors, markers (for decorating).

Steps: Cut the bottom of the water bottle to create a small planter. Fill it with soil and plant a small seed or plant. Decorate the bottle with markers or paint, and place it somewhere sunny to watch it grow.

Step by Step Directions

Focus on….Math and English Language Arts

Connect the DIY water bottle planter with Math and English skills using the following tips:

Math Component: Measure the amount of soil and water needed for your plant. If you are planting seeds, calculate the spacing required for each plant to grow (e.g., how far apart the seeds should be in inches or centimeters).

Writing Component: Write a journal entry or create a plant care plan. Include predictions for how long it will take for the seeds to sprout, what conditions they need to thrive, and what changes you notice over time.

Motivational Incentive

Submit a picture of your DIY water bottle planter by June 8, 2025 here for a chance to win a mini hydroponic garden!

Connection to the Community

Encourage your family to read this summer. Set small achievable goals and have the whole family participate. Students will watch the adults in their homes, if you set aside time for reading they will see the importance. Vary your reading locations; try reading in the backyard or at the park. If you are travelling, bring an actual book in the car or on the plane. A great way to support reading when school is out is the public library summer reading program. Hancock County has two options for participation, see the links below. Sign up and earn prizes and attend fun programs all free of cost.

Vernon Township Public Library https://www.vtpl.lib.in.us/

Hancock County Public Library https://hcplibrary.org/

1862 W. State Road 234

Fortville, IN 46040

317-485-3160