Whether you live on 5 acres, or on the 5th floor, you can introduce your children to a life-long interest in gardening. Start simply with Starting Seeds. Tending to a garden is a great boredom busting activity and also creates unforgettable memories! You can also have them build a butterfly garden!

What You Need

• cardboard egg carton
• plastic wrap
• small bag of planting mix

• 1 package of seeds (marigold, cosmos, or petunia start easily)
• spray bottle of water

Instructions

1. Pour soil into the bucket or dish pan. Add just enough water to make it damp, not "soupy".

2. Use a soup spoon to place a small amount of soil into each egg cup.

3. Following the package instructions, make a small depression into each cup of soil. Place 2 seeds in each hole and cover with a light layer of soil.

4. Mist with the water.

5. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and place in a dark room or closet.

6. Be sure to keep the soil moist. Have your child check the seedlings daily and older children can even chart the progress.

7. When sprouts show, replant according to the package instructions. Cosmos, marigolds, and petunias will do well in a flower garden or pot.

8. After replanting and placing in a sunny location, give your child the responsibility of plant care (watering and cutting back if they get to full).

Tips

• You may have luck placing your seedlings in a sunny window. However, the plastic wrap can create too much moisture and can rot the seed. Trying both locations will be a good experiment.