I'm leading a group of 4th and 5th grade girls in planting a mini herb garden as part of their Gardener badge. We're on a budget, so I'm thinking about using solo cups for planting seeds, and I'd like to label them with popsicle sticks. However, I'm a total newbie at gardening and want to make sure I don't mess this up! Can anyone share some beginner-friendly gardening tips or essentials to help make this activity fun and successful?
4 Answers
Check your local library for a seed catalog; it's a great free resource where local gardeners exchange seeds that grow well in your area. You could also find some cool children's gardening books for low-cost project ideas!
For your solo cups, definitely punch holes in the bottom for drainage. They dry out fast, so use them mainly for starting seeds. If you can, grab some discarded pots from a nursery—1-gallon ones work great! Just use a bit of newspaper to line them and keep the soil in. Make sure the soil is damp before planting, and check the seed packets for depth instructions. Sunlight is key, and keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering. Good luck—you're gonna do great!
I've had great experiences with "Back to the Roots" kits—they offer easy herb options. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, their mushroom kit is super fun and the girls will be amazed. Those pink mushrooms are a hit!
Why not have each girl bring in a different fruit or veggie scrap with seeds? They can try to germinate things like old potatoes or apple cores. Keeping a sketchbook to track growth stages could also make it a nifty learning experience!
That sounds like such a fun idea! Really hands-on and educational.
Solid advice! Also, squash seeds are cheap and super easy to grow.