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by Hannah Boyd
Categories: Kindergarten, Science, Arts and Crafts

Attention, green thumbs! Want to bring the green inside? You probably have all the ingredients already to create a miniature garden right inside your own house.
 
With this hands-on activity, kids will learn what it takes to foster seedlings into full-grown plants. They'll be able to see roots spreading, leaves sprouting, and flowers blooming - all in a regular old soda bottle!
 
You’ll need:
  • 1 empty two liter soda bottle, washed and dried
  • exacto knife
  • potting soil
  • seeds (try herbs, flowers, or experiment with the seeds from a piece of fruit)
  • a plate to hold the greenhouse and keep your tabletop dry

Parents, using the exacto knife or a sharp scissors, cut the label from the soda bottle. Carefully cut the bottle in half so that the bottom (container) piece is deep enough to hold soil and plants. Poke a few holes into the bottom of the container for drainage.

Have your child fill the container with soil and plant seeds. Water lightly.

Put the top half of the soda bottle back on, tucking inside the edges of the container. If necessary, you can cut small slits into the upper portion to make it fit. Leave the cap on.

Place atop a waterproof plate in a sunny spot and water sparingly. The lid retains moisture and heat, so your seeds should sprout quickly. Because the plastic is clear, you’ll be able to see the roots beneath the surface of the soil. If the greenhouse gets too steamy, you can remove the lid once in a while. When your seedlings get big enough, transplant to the garden, and plant a new crop!