Science Experiment: Grow Plants From a Packet of Seeds--National Geographic Little Kids

You can grow your own plants. Ask your mom or dad to help you.

Photo: seedlings growing in soil; art text reads: Planting Seeds

YOU WILL NEED
• packet of seeds
• small pot
• potting soil

HERE'S HOW
1. Put the soil into the pot.
2. Using your finger, make two holes in the soil.
3. Place a seed in each hole and cover it with soil.
4. Pour four tablespoons of water into the pot.
5. Place the pot in a sunny window. Water your plant when the soil starts to feel dry.

Photograph shows a little girl holding a potted plant

Photo: Step 1 shows a hand placing seeds into a pot containing soil; Step 2 shows a finger making a hole in soil; Step 3 shows a hand pouring soil into a pot; Step 4 shows a tablespoon of water being poured into a pot

COOL SCIENCE

Peas, radishes, and lettuce are all good seed choices. They sprout quickly. Your seeds will sprout within two weeks. When the seedlings are about one inch (2.5 centimeters) tall, gently pull one from the soil to look at its roots. Plants take in water through their roots. The leaves grow up toward the light, and the roots grow down into the soil (above). You can plant your seedlings outside in late spring and watch your garden grow!

PARENT TIP: SCIENCE

Involve your child in this project by carefully explaining that the seeds will take several weeks to grow, and that he or she will need to check the pot daily. It will be your child's job to test the soil for dryness and to water the seedlings.

Try growing a variety of seeds, using a different pot for each kind. Write the plant names on small wooden ice cream sticks and push them into the pots. If you don't have space for a row of pots, use an egg carton or cartons. This way, your child can compare the size, shape, and growth rate of different seedlings. When the plants are large enough, have your child carefully transplant them to an outside garden.

Photographs by Rebecca Hale (girl, seeds, pots, soil); Corbis (plant stages)

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