Sprouting Indoor Gardens

Starting a new plant from seed is a wonderful experience for a child. The excitement builds as the seed sprouts and then grows, giving children a chance to hone observational skills and you an opportunity to introduce basic botany through hands-on activities. Even more important, young gardeners learn how to nurture a living thing. They discover that plants are like people – they, too, need loving care in order to grow well and mature. 

However, starting seeds can be a challenge in indoor environments. This month to help make your classroom seed-starting adventure successful, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions related to indoor growing.  

Background and Lessons
Planting Seeds Indoors - Tips for successful seed sowing indoors.

Garbage-Can Gardening - Grow plants from items you’d normally throw away in the trash.

Lesson Ideas
Seeds - A sample lesson from the curriculum Botany on Your Plate (pdf file)

Edible Sprouts - This lesson provides instructions for growing sprouts with young gardeners.

Related Kidgardening Articles:
Seed Propagation
Seeds — The Promise of Life
Indoor Gardening Investigations

Program Spotlights
Annoucing the 2009-2010 Kidsgardening Advisory Board

Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter
A fresh approach to container gardening

Cedar Raised Beds
Garden even if your schoolyard is paved



Rain Barrel
Capture runoff from your school's roof for irrigation

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