I found this great article on how to grow sprouts on a sponge. We thought it would be fun to try making our own St. Patrick’s Day Chia Pets. It was so simple, and my kids loved their little shamrock sprout sponges.
To make your own Shamrock Sprouts, you will need:
A household sponge (we choose green sponges)
Seed packet (we used lettuce, spinach, and broccoli seeds)
A water mister
Shallow plate
Trace a shamrock shape onto the dry sponge with sharpie. Cutting the sponge was a bit more difficult for the kids, but with perseverance they managed. We found the sponges were easier to cut when wet. Also, the kids used adult scissors because theirs were not sharp enough.
Soak the sponge once again, you want the sponge to be damp, but not dripping. Scatter the seeds across the top of the sponge, gently poking the seeds into the holes. We tried growing spinach, broccoli and lettuce seeds. Place in a sunny window. Keep the sponge moist by misting with water, don’t let the seeds dry out. We found it helpful to turn a clear plastic container over the plate at night to keep the moisture in. During the day the kids wanted to check on the progress, so we left the plastic off. Mist often with a water sprayer.
Soon you should have your very own sprout garden. I can’t wait for the snow to melt, but for now this little cheery garden will have to do. The kids loved watching their sprouts, and they thought it was interesting that seeds could grew without soil.
Here is a link to a fun list of great experiments that my kids love.
I will be linking to these parties.
If you don’t want to miss out on any of the fun we are having at Housing A Forest, make sure to follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Google + and Twitter.
Tammy
I really like this idea! I am a Kindergarten teacher! My kids would love this!
It was a hit in our house.
I’m a kindergarten teacher as well and about to plant after Spring Break. Which seeds grew best?
That’s such a neat idea! I love growing things with kiddos… it’s a nice lesson on patience and consistancy!
I would agree. SO fun to see how excited the kids get as things start sprouting and changing.
Pingback: 12. Esperimenti scientifici: Osservare e misurare la germinazione dei semi » La pappadolce
I am about to start plants at school as well. Which started spouting quickest/ the best?
Pingback: Where Did Thursday Go?
Pingback: Get your green on: St. Patrick’s Day! | Snugabye Blog
Just stopping by to let you know that I’ve featured your craft on Family Fun Crafts! You can see it here:
http://funfamilycrafts.com/shamrock-sprouts/
If you have other kid friendly crafts, I’d love it if you would submit them.
If you would like to display a
featured button on your site, you can grab one from the right side bar of your post above.
Pingback: How to Garden with Kids: 18 Tips
Pingback: How to Garden with Kids
Pingback: The ABCs of…Farming for Children G-L | Glittering Muffins
Pingback: The ABC's of Crafting on a Budget - Letters K-O - Housing A ForestHousing a Forest
Pingback: 12 Coolest Kid St. Patrick’s Day School Games & Activities
Pingback: St Patrick's Day ActivitiesHousing a Forest
Pingback: Leprechaun Gardening - Shamrock Sprouts from Housing a Forest | Steve Spangler's Blog
Pingback: REALLY BIG List of 105+ St. Patrick's Day Freebies and Activities - In All You Do
Pingback: 7 Green St. Patrick's Day Crafts for Kids | Inhabitots
Pingback: Leprechaun Science Activities from Our Favorite Kid Activity Bloggers | Steve Spangler's Blog
We missed it for St Paddy’s Day, but shamrocks are fun all the time so we’ll give it a try over spring break.
Lauren, any shape would work. I think that they would be adorable a simple flowers shapes as well. Have a wonderful spring break!
Pingback: Easter and Spring Activities - Housing a ForestHousing a Forest
Pingback: Saving Seeds - Housing a ForestHousing a Forest
Pingback: Eco-Friendly St. Patrick's Day Ideas | Random Recycling