The kids are getting a jump-start on spring. Sure, it’s cold outside — the temps are chilly, the wind is biting and the frost is back, but these kids are eager to garden. What better way, than to start from seed? Lima beans, to be exact.
Fun and easy, starting seedling trays is a great way to bring the outdoors in–particularly appealing this winter. To begin, we fill our trays with potting mix, tuck our beans in about an inch deep then water them in for a head start on life.
Each student will be responsible for their own seed. They’ll water it every day, because they know seeds like to be kept moist.
They’ll keep their tray near a sunny window (or fool it with a flourescent “grow lamp”) and they’ll keep it warm; one of the keys to good germination. And they’ll watch it grow. Better yet, they’ll record each and every moment on the pages of their seed journal — complete with cute veggie decorations! Gardening should be fun, ya know.
By starting our bean seeds now, we’ll be harvesting in no time. And isn’t that what gardening is all about–the glory of harvest? Sure catching bugs is fun and the smell of herbs are delightful, but vegetables should be eaten and fresh from the vine. So while we’re learning about the growth cycle, we’ll savor the bounty.
And learn a whole heck of a lot while we’re at it!
I wish we would have done this while I was in school. My niece and nephew are learning all about growing tomatoes and they just can’t get enough of it.