quick clicks

preschoolers today articles

preschoolers today q&a

children today articles

children today q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Indoor Gardening

Bring the Fun Inside

By Donna Stone

Basic Instructions for Planting in Soil
Almost any container will do for planting: plastic containers, tin cans or even flowerpots! Put a few pebbles or rocks in the bottom of your container and poke a few holes for drainage. If the roots of your plant stay too wet, the plant will rot. Use potting soil to fill the container and press down lightly. Use your finger to make holes in the soil for your seeds. Label each container with the plant's name and the date you planted it.

You can eat the bean sprouts. They are more nutritious when they are short, but some like the flavor of sprouts that have grown longer. Bean sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator, which will stop their growth. The sprouted beans can also be planted in soil and will grow to make a nice leafy indoor plant. Plant the beans about one inch deep. Put the plant in a sunny place and keep the soil moist.

You can grow an indoor tree from an orange seed. Orange seeds sprout easily, and after a long time will grow into a small tree. As the plant grows, you must transplant it to allow plenty of room for growth. The leaves of this plant release a fresh, lemony fragrance when you rub them between your fingers.

Want to see more?

• Plant the top of the carrot, but use the bottom to make a healthy Carrot Drink.
• How Does Your Garden Grow? Teaching Your Child the Art of Gardening
• Talk about it!