Portland Metro Area Child Care News

Even though the leaves are dying, and fall has wrapped its chilly fingers around us all, it’s the perfect time to grow something new.  Herbs are perfect for winter growing because they can be sustained in the house during the cold months, and they add a fresh flavor to everyday cooking.  Growing herbs in the house have also been shown to boost your mood during the grayness of fall and winter.  In the spirit of living green, here is a recycle-reuse project your daycare kiddos are sure to love all season long.

What you’ll need:

1 milk jug cleaned and dried

Potting soil

Seeds

Plastic wrap

Old plate or other planter bottom to keep the water from leaking

FOR THE TEACHER ONLY:

Scissors

irst, cut the bottom half of the milk jug off.

Next, poke three or four holes in the bottom for drainage.

Put the planter on the plate, or whatever you’re using to catch excess water.

Then, fill with potting soil and sprinkle with seeds.  Water.

Cover with plastic wrap until the seeds germinate.  Make sure not to let the soil dry out.

Remove plastic wrap when the plants come through the soil and keep watered until seedlings are old enough to transplant.

This is a wonderful project to add to your curriculum.  Have students observe, discuss, and predict.