How to make a Laptop box styrofoam Herb Planter

 by shadowfeet
If your like me, you have the greatest herbs in the summer... then in winter, no more fresh herbs for you. I wanted some herbs in my kitchen to be able to use year round, so I decided to make one.

Supplies you'll need: 
Rectangular 'Styrofoam' box ( Not truly styrofoam, its more squishy. It's actually EPP, expanded polypropylene. Thanks macrumpton! I got mine out of a laptop box, it's used to protect the ends of the laptop)  
Thin strip of cardboard
Potting soil or Dirt
Herbs ( You can use seeds, but if you already have herbs growing outside, there are probably baby ones sprouting near them)
2 Lids


 
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Step 1: Start with the planter

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Okay, so take your 'styrofoam' .  Mine had holes in the bottom, so I took some card board and cut it about the length of the bottom to stop too much water from leaking. ( Some will still leak, see how to remedy in step #3)
susanrm says: Dec 29, 2011. 12:10 PM
I like it... my only concern is that scientists are finding more and more pollutants/toxins released from even plastics rated as food-safe (BPA being the most famous one). So I'd be cautious about growing plants used for food inside plastic.
shadowfeet (author) in reply to susanrmJan 6, 2012. 12:49 PM
Yes, but technically it is growing in the dirt. And scientists are always finding something! (I do see your point though.)
macrumpton says: Dec 27, 2011. 8:40 AM
FYI the kind of foam you are using here is EPP (Expanded Polypropylene).
shadowfeet (author) in reply to macrumptonDec 27, 2011. 9:09 AM
Thank YOU!!
Shooglenifty says: Dec 27, 2011. 8:03 AM
I made a fantastic cement shamrock from styrofoam insulation that is used to insulate houses here. The board / sheet is about 30inches x 48inches. Make a template of a shamrock on a piece of paper to your desired size, trace the shamrock onto the styrofoam. now beginning in the centre start removing the styrofoam until you have the shape of the shamrock. Now make a batch of cement (4 sand x 1 cement) and fill in the mould. placing two small dowels into the semi hardened cement so that you can screw the shamrock onto the wall. Wait for it to dry, paint it green and screw it to your outside shed or wherever! I just made a shamrock but you could do almost any design.
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