February/mid-winter break is just ahead for local school districts and if you are thinking about things to do to keep everyone occupied, consider gardening. Even in the middle of winter, there are many horticulture-related projects that are both educational and fun.
You probably have leftover seeds from last year’s growing season. Use them to teach children about germination. Line a lidded glass jar with a damp paper towel. Put seeds such as squash or beans between the glass and the towel. Add small amounts of moisture if needed and watch the jar each day. Seeds should sprout in just a matter of days. You can also use a recycled foil pan and a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse. Place a damp paper towel in the bottom of the pan and place seeds on top. Good choices include cucumbers or beans, such as scarlet runner beans. Place the tray in a plastic bag and have your children make predictions about which seeds they think will sprout first. Once seeds have germinated, you can talk about how seeds have different germination periods and how the plants begin to grow from seed.
Let them take care of houseplants. If your plants need dusting or misting or re-potting, plan to tackle those jobs over the break with the help of little hands. If you have spider plants or succulents, pot up baby plants. Take children to a local garden center and let them pick out an easy care houseplant they can tend. If the plant does not survive, see if they can figure out why – plants need light, air, nutrients, water and soil to thrive.
Get ready for growing outside by making garden markers with terra cotta pots, popsicle sticks or smooth, flat rocks. Children can paint these items with bright colors, placing plant names on each. Start by painting the item with a layer of acrylic paint. When dried, paint the name in a contrasting color. Embellish the item with patterns and borders, if desired. Once paint is dried, apply a coat of varnish or other sealant to protect it from the elements.
Involve your children or grandchildren in planning for the upcoming growing season. Study garden catalogs and let them decide on varieties of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers to grow. Have them consider growing conditions and what varieties will grow best in your yard. They can map out a garden plan or brainstorm a theme garden for 2023.
Other indoor gardening ideas include making a windowsill herb garden, terrarium, or purchase air plants and think of creative ways to display them while learning about epiphytes – plants that get their moisture and nutrients from the air while clinging to trees or rocks for support.
Get outside. Hold a scavenger hunt for buds on trees, shrubs and perennials. Look for bird nests from last year in trees that have lost their leaves for the winter. Make a simple bird feeder by cutting a bagel in half and spreading it with peanut butter or cooking fat. Dredge the bagel in black oil sunflower seeds and hang it in your yard where you can watch the birds that visit from a window.
