Gardening is a great way to teach kids about nature and science. Seed starting is an essential part of gardening, and it can be a fun and educational activity for kids. In this article, we will explore 5 fun seed-starting experiments that kids can try at home. These experiments are easy to set up and require only a few materials. Let’s get started!
Experiment 1 – Eggshell Seed Starters
Materials:
- Eggshells: Give those discarded eggshells a second life! Wash them gently and carefully crack the top off. Be sure to leave the bottom half intact, like a tiny cup.
- Potting soil: Choose a lightweight, well-draining potting mix, perfect for delicate seedlings.
- Seeds: Pick your favorites! Lettuce, beans, sunflowers, and herbs like basil or coriander work well. Choose seeds that are large enough to handle easily for little hands.
- Water: A trusty spray bottle will be your watering buddy.
- Sunny spot: Find a bright windowsill where your little egg-garden can soak up the sun.
Instructions:
- Eggshell transformation: Carefully peel the membrane and any leftover bits from inside the eggshell. Rinse it again if needed, then let it dry completely. Remember, a soggy shell isn’t happy!
- Fill it up: Scoop some potting soil into your eggshell cup, leaving about an inch from the top. Think of it as a cozy bed for your seed to snuggle in.
- Seed the scene: Now comes the exciting part! Gently poke a small hole in the soil, just deep enough for your chosen seed. Plant your little friend inside and tuck it in with a sprinkling of soil.
- Watering wisdom: Give your new garden a gentle drink with the spray bottle. Just a light mist, like a morning dewdrop, is enough. Remember, overwatering can make your seed unhappy.
- Sunny haven: Find a bright spot near a window where your eggshell garden can bask in the warm sunlight. Sunshine is like magical plant food!
- Sprout watch: Now the fun begins! Keep an eye on your eggshell garden every day. Watch as your seed peeps through the soil, unfurling its first tiny leaves. It’s like witnessing a planty superpower happening right before your eyes!
Experiment 2 – Recycled Container Seed Starters
Materials
- Recycled containers (e.g., yogurt cups, plastic bottles)
- Potting soil
- Seeds
- Water
Instructions
- Clean and dry the recycled container.
- Fill the container with potting soil.
- Plant a seed in the soil.
- Water the soil and place the container in a sunny spot.
- Watch the seed grow!
 Experiment 3 – Seed Tape
Materials
- Toilet paper
- Flour
- Water
- Seeds
Instructions
- Mix flour and water to make a paste.
- Cut strips of toilet paper.
- Place small dots of the paste on the toilet paper, spacing them out evenly.
- Place a seed on each dot of paste.
- Let the paste dry.
- Roll up the seed tape and store it until you’re ready to plant.
- Plant the seed tape in soil and water it.
Experiment 4 – Seed Bombs
Materials
- Potting soil
- Clay
- Seeds
- Water
Instructions
- Mix potting soil and clay together.
- Add enough water to make a dough-like consistency.
- Roll the dough into small balls.
- Press a seed into each ball.
- Let the seed bombs dry.
- When you’re ready to plant, place the seed bombs in soil and water them.
Experiment 5 – Hydroponic Seed Starters
Materials
- Clear plastic cups
- Potting soil
- Seeds
- Water
- Hydroponic nutrients (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a clear plastic cup with potting soil.
- Plant a seed in the soil.
- Add water to the cup, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- If desired, add hydroponic nutrients to the water.
- Place the cup in a sunny spot.
- Watch the seed grow!
Seed starting is a fun and educational activity for kids. These 5 experiments are easy to set up and require only a few materials. By trying these experiments, kids can learn about the science of gardening and the importance of taking care of our planet. So, grab some seeds and get started on your own seed-starting adventure!