Go guerilla gardening

What can we use instead of potting soil, pebbles, or a trowel if those are hard to find?

If potting soil, small stones, or a trowel are missing, mix garden soil with compost as a potting substitute, use crushed pottery or wood chips for the thin drainage layer, and use a clean kitchen spoon or a piece of sturdy cardboard to fill the container about two thirds full.

My seedling is wilting after planting — what might have gone wrong and how do I fix it?

Wilting usually means drainage or watering issues, so ask an adult to confirm the drainage holes were made and clear, ensure there is a thin layer of small stones under the potting soil, and then water only until the soil feels evenly moist as the instructions say.

How can I adapt this guerrilla gardening activity for younger children or older kids?

For younger children, have an adult handle the drainage holes and let them wash, dry, and partly fill the container and press in a large seed or seedling, while older kids can plant smaller native seeds at the correct depth, write a researched care tip on the label, and plan who will tend the planter in the approved spot.

How can we personalize or extend the planter project after it's finished?

Decorate the recycled container with paint or stickers before planting, create a colorful label with the plant name and one care tip using the colouring materials, add a simple watering schedule to the label, and share your planter and story on DIY.org as suggested.