Indoor Garden Projects

These gardening projects are not only great for indoor fun, they are sure to brighten even the darkest winter day!

Egg Heads

Next time you make eggs, crack the shells close to the top. Thoroughly wash out the larger end of the egg and set aside to dry.  With a permanent marker, have your child colour a face on the egg. Next, fill the egg with potting soil and gently press in grass seed. Water it lightly. Set the eggs in the carton and place in a sunny spot. Make sure your child keeps the soil moist, but not soggy. Over the next few days, the grass will begin to sprout, making "hair" for your child's egg heads.

Vegetable Top Garden

Fill an aluminum pie plate with small stones and pebbles (which you can collect from your garden or buy multi-coloured stones from a garden or pet supply store). Cut the tops off several large, bagged carrots, radishes, beats and/or turnips. Have your child place the pieces, cut side down, on top of the pebbles and add enough water to just cover the bottom of each piece. Place the plate out of direct light and monitor. Add water as needed (make sure they don't shrivel). Greenery should sprout within a week and continue sprouting for about a month.

For more information, please see:

• The Jumbo Book of Gardening, by Karyn Morris (Kids Can Press)

By Rochelle Strauss