Take part in VICTA’s activity in the British Science Week 2025 Community Pack and create a reused bottle garden!
Complete VICTA’s British Science Week activity to change and adapt those used plastic bottles.
Each year there is a new theme for British Science Week, and for 2025 it’s ‘change and adapt’. VICTA is thrilled to have contributed to the Community Pack which is full of activities which promote learning and discovery, and that break down the stereotypes surrounding STEM.
Download your pack
Download the full Community Pack and find out more about what’s happening across British Science Week 2025 at:
britishscienceweek.org/activity-packs
Create your bottle garden
Kit list
- Empty, used, washed out plastic bottles
- Sharp scissors
- Compost
- Seeds (of your choice – sunflowers and cress work well!)
- Water
Instructions
- Using a sharp pair of scissors, with the help of an adult, cut a used plastic bottle in half widthways. Then, make a couple of small holes in the bottom of the bottle (this is for water to drain through.)
- Put some compost in the bottom half of your empty bottle.
- Make several small holes in the compost with your finger and then drop a couple of seeds into each.
- Put one more handful of compost over your seeds, lightly covering them.
- Sprinkle on some water and put your bottle in a sunny position.
- Slide the top of your bottle onto the bottom half and keep watering as your plant grows. You may have to take the top of the bottle off as your plant grows!
Watch out
Ensure everyone washes their hands after handling soil.
Next steps
You could create lots of different plants with multiple bottles – and you could even string them up to make a hanging bottle garden!
Career options
Horticulture is the science of growing plants. Horticulturalists research different plant species, and often grow plants, fruits and vegetables for study. This role also has a focus on environmental sustainability, with some research focussing on plant conservation and preservation.
Our bottle garden competition has now closed.
Thanks to everyone who entered our competition, check back soon to see all of the entries and find out who our lucky winners are.
Discovery never stops! Keep checking back and investigating as new activities are added. Stay up-to-date by following VICTA on social media.
#VICTAScienceFair
