Sowing Seeds of Good Health

I love fresh, homegrown vegetables as much as the next gal, but my thumb errs on the side of black.  Gardens used to intimidate me (as did blogs), but here I am blogging about growing vegetables.  So,  I consider this a bit of a personal victory.  Bear with me, I’m no expert…but if I can manage to keep vegetables alive, anyone can.

Thanks to my husband, Todd, and his evergreen thumb, I have learned to take gardening a little less seriously. He’s taught me that vegetables are a lot less fragile than one might think, and in fact require much less work than my spritely two year old. While Todd still holds the title as head-yard-honcho, together, we embarked upon a fun family gardening project: Egg Carton Seedlings. My daughter now takes tremendous pride in the vegetables she’s grown.

Here’s how you do it…it could not be simpler. All you need is:

• Egg Carton(s)
• Package of Seeds (we used pole beans, bush beans, and broccoli)
• Organic Garden Soil
• Water

Purchase seeds that will be ‘in-season’ and prepare according to package directions. (For instance, we had to soak our bean seeds overnight in water. )

Cut the top of the egg carton off and set aside. Turn the bottom of the  carton upside down and poke holes in each “dome”, as this allows adequate water drainage. Then, place the top of the carton underneath, like a tray. Fill each of the domes with soil.

Place seeds in soil filled domes according to seed packet directions. Water daily, keep in warm sunlight (indoors or out), and watch them grow!

She’s so proud!

Day #1

A few days later…

About a week later…talk about instant gratification!

Once the seedlings seem well established, after a week or so, transfer into outdoor garden and watch them grow. Happy gardening (and eating!).

Tagged as: Gardening with Kids, Home Grown Vegetables, Kid's Crafts, Kids Heathly Eating, Toddler Nutrition