Growing Things

Early in the spring I planted a small garden with the children. I envisioned a spring and summer full of wonder as we watched the little seeds sprout and grow into beautiful plants and then being able to enjoy the fruits, or in this case veggies, of our labor. This was not to be however. Almost none of the seeds sprouted save for a few peas, which quickly died. Our little project instead turned into a lesson on disappointed hopes.

It was not all for naught however, our tomato plant fared well and we have harvested a few ripe tomatoes from its vine. There are more plump green tomatoes hanging there as well though with all the cool nights, they are not ripening (I will have to attempt to fry some). And, after hearing of our woes, a neighbor shared some of her pole bean seeds with us. Having learned from our previous planting mistakes, we placed our little seeds of hope in the garden, watered them daily, and waited. Sure enough, after a few days we saw the little heads of our bean sprouts and in the following weeks watched as the plants climbed higher and higher up their trellis and then start flowering. Jus a few days ago we picked some nice large beans off our plants. I prepared them and it was just enough for the kids and I to eat them with our dinner (Luke was working late that night so was unable to enjoy them with us). They were delicious and I at least felt a sense of accomplishment as we dined.


As a way to further the kids experience with growing things I picked a project that would be more likely to have good results. We made grass caterpillars using the legs off an old pair of Lily's stockings. We filled them with dirt and grass seeds, tied the ends, and glued some old buttons on for a face. The kids had to water them every day and, of course, wait. After a couple of days, they were yelling excitedly that they could see the grass sprouting through the stockings. And over the next several days we watched as the caterpillars grew their fuzz.




It was like making our own little Chia Pets. It may not be very useful and we won't be able to eat this one, but it sure was fun!