Green Thumb

Planting and caring for our Mother's Day sunflowers was very exciting for the children. They each got a chance to decorate their pot, fill it with loosely packed soil, and carefully plant their seeds. Each morning they would gather around the window to check their pots hoping to see signs of sprouts. 

Sunflowers are one of the fastest growing plants. When we returned again the next Monday, some sprouts had already begun to pop through (and some not at all). We determined that not all plants grow at the same rate. Observing the different stages of plant growth allows for the children to gather new knowledge naturally, add to what they already know and change or develop new hypothesis or conclusions based on what they're learning.  

The children were very excited to water their plants. So much so that some of the seeds and sprouts needed to be rescued from drowning (some more than once). Learning how much water a plant needs comes with experience and with hands on gardening opportunities like this one.

We discussed why it was important not to shake the plants. Learning how to care for and respect plants connects back to how we need to care for and respect all living things.

Once the sunflowers were sent home, our window sill became very bare. So, we decided to try and grow some organic fruits and vegetables! The seeds we used are from a local organic seed supplier called Greta's Organic Gardens.

We decided that we would try to grow some fruits and veggies and use whatever grows in a big, group salad! Children can be very picky but if they are directly a part of the process from seed to plate they are more likely to give things a try. Also, children are much more likely to try new vegetables when all of their friends are trying them too. 

The children had a choice between organic dill, parsley, pumpkin, swiss chard, kale, beets, huckleberries and watermelon. Most of these fruits and veggies were new to the children, which made the process even more fun! The more often children are exposed to new foods the more likely they will want to eat them!

Double spooning it.

Watermelons are often seedless nowadays so many of the children weren't sure what the seeds would look like.

We also are doing a science experiment testing out predictions. Each child choses a vegetable or fruit to plant and then they predict how long they think the seeds will take to sprout. The children have to check on their plants and mark an "X" on their chart every day until they see sprouts! 

Prediction pose.

The children also got to predict what they thought their seeds would look like. 

We are growing our wonderful plants in newspaper pots to have the least effect on the environment possible. Many gardening practices (like the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides) can be detrimental to the soil and to the nearby water ecosystems. Organic gardening is healthier for both the planet, the animals that we share it with and for our own bodies. 

We will keep you posted as our plants begin to sprout and grow!