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Home » Play Ideas » Gardening

Kids Grow Gardens of Joy

Kids Grow Gardens of Joy

We have a "dry" recycling bin in the kitchen where we throw newspapers, boxes, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls and the like. My son picks through it periodically asking "Can I use this?" or "Can I build something out of this?" Of course, my answer is always "Yes! Have at it!"

He involved his little sister in his plans this time around. You see, she owned the seeds--a packet of wildflowers gifted from her preschool teacher. He reclaimed a cardboard egg carton which he rigged as a planter. He cut off the top and taped it underneath the egg tray leaving drain holes for excess water.

I grabbed a sack of soil from the garage and met them in the courtyard. The rest of the project was up to them. You can see what they did above.

Links:

  • KidsGardening: Helping Young Minds Grow


I believe they were inspired to take on this little project by my son's public school teacher. My son sprouted pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds in milk cartons this past school year. (You can see the huge pumpkin plant above. The sunflower is still in the milk carton.) Hurray for teachers!

More Gardening

  • Centennial Farm at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa
  • Noguchi Gardens (California Scenario) in Costa Mesa
  • Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona Del Mar
  • California Botanic Garden in Claremont: Wonderland of Spring Flowers

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

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