Grow a home garden

Gardening is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy! Your child can learn the fun of planting and growing seeds. As they care for them, they will learn how plants grow, and the importance of plants in their lives. Children can also learn new words through naming the parts of the plant and the planting process. There is such a sense of achievement as they watch their seeds turn into flowers, herbs or vegetables.

What do I need?

• Egg carton
• Seeds (Fast-growing and in-season are best. Check the seed packets or ask at a plant nursery if you’re buying them.)
• Soil or seed-raising mix

 How do I do it?

1. Put the soil in an egg carton. Then plant the seeds carefully in each compartment and water them.
2. While planting, ask your child questions about the seeds:
   • What do seeds need to grow?
   • How many seeds should we put in each compartment?
   • How often will we need to water them?
   • Where should we put the container, for the seeds to grow well?
3. Your child can make labels for the plants, especially if you have different kinds. Write the date you planted them.
4. Talk to your child about what will happen next (use words like sprout, water, light, sun and seedlings).
5. Check on the seeds as they sprout. Talk about the parts of the plant as they appear, and how you can help them continue to grow.
6. Once the seedlings are strong enough, replant them in pots and place in a sunny spot in your house, or plant them out in a sunny spot in the garden.

No-one knows your child better than you.  So, choose and/or adapt ideas here to best suit you and your child. Remember it’s the talking and time spent together that matters most.