Again, the end of the school year has snuck up on me.  Although each year I promise myself to get my teachers' gifts before June, it just never seems to happen.  So I'm off to my local home garden store today to get the stuff for my kids to make the gift.

This year's gift is a Bucket of Herbs with my favorite message to teachers -- "Thank you for helping me grow this year!"  It's so easy to make, even your preschoolers can pitch in layering the soil, pushing in the seeds and decorating the bucket.

I'm big on the kids creating the gift because after all, it is their teacher.  Plus, it's a good way to teach them to show their gratitude for those who deserve it -- and teachers are at the top of the list.

Your child's teacher will remember them fondly each time they take a cutting from this great portable kitchen garden.  Make an extra one for your family and you may even get your child trying some new recipes!


SUPPLIES
Galvanized Metal Bucket (ours was 8 quart)
Variety of Herb Seeds
Potting Soil
Small Rocks or Pea Gravel
Planting Charcoal (optional)
Poster Board
Permanent Markers
Scotch Tape
Metal Drill Bit (optional)


INSTRUCTIONS
Cut out piece of posterboard to fit inside top of bucket.  To do this, turn bucket upside down on posterboard, trace outline and cut out.  Set aside.

Before filling the bucket, decorate bucket and cut out circle in desired design using permanent marker.  Top cover circle should have directions to water daily for your own herb garden.

You have two choices for drainage.  Either drill small holes in the bottom of the bucket using a drill bit made for metal, or simply add a one inch layer of pea gravel followed by a layer of planting charcoal.  If you drill holes add a single layer of gravel on the bottom of the bucket so potting soil does not fall through holes.

Once you have set up your drainage, fill the rest of bucket to about an inch below the rim with potting soil.

Use pea gravel to divide the top layer of soil into 4 quarters.  Next plant herb seeds into the different quarters. Do not water.

Cover with your decorated cover and secure with scotch tape.  Add a ribbon to handle and your herb garden is ready to be presented.