Guest Author - Sue Walsh
When I was a kid I loved to help out in the garden. My grandparents grew all kinds of veggies and flowers. If you’d like your kids to have fun with gardening, here a few ideas.
Carrots- This root vegetable is well known for its nutritional properties, but it also makes a pretty and fun pot plant. Cut the top inch off of a good-sized carrot and remove the outer leaves. Fill a 5-inch pot with potting soil and bury the top just up to the crown. In about a month you’ll have a lovely display of lacy foliage that resembles that of its cousin, Queen Anne’s Lace. Keep in a partially shady spot away from heat and enjoy!
Avocado- This is a classic science experiment and will eventually result in a handsome 3 foot tree. Plant the blunt end of the avocado pit into a pot of potting soil making sure to leave the pointed end exposed. Keep warm. Another method is to push three toothpicks into the sides of the stone and balance it in a jar of water blunt side down. Once roots have formed it can transplanted into soil. Pinch the foliage regularly to keep the tree full and bushy.
Citrus- The seeds in most varieties of oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits and tangerines germinate quite easily and quickly. Soak them overnight and then press down into potting soil to about ˝ an inch. Keep in a warm and dark place until the shoots appear and then move to a spot that gets plenty of sun. Place them outdoors in the summer and keep cool in the winter.
Sensitive Plant- This plant delights children everywhere due to its habit of folding up its feathery leaves and drooping when touched. The plants are easy to grow from seed-just pour hot water over them and plant in potting soil. They can also be grown from stem cuttings. Keep in bright light. In the summer they produce pink flowers that look like tiny fluffy balls.
Panda Plant- This succulent is a type of Kalanchoe and is grown for its fuzzy brown edged leaves. Children find it irresistible! Keep on a sunny windowsill-a south facing one is best. Water regularly in the summer but only very sparingly in the winter. Cuttings root easily.
Beans- Kids love beans! Plant the pole variety and tie the vines into a teepee shape. Kids love having a living playhouse!
Other fun plants can be grown from apple seeds, peach pits, even coffee beans. Let kids experiment and see what happens!
