We are surrounded by plants. In the house you can see a potted plant on a shelf or a vase with pretty flowers. Step outside and you will see weeds in the cracks of the pavement, trees swaying in the breeze and grass in the local park. You see daffodils in spring and roses in summer. You can enjoy watching the leaves turn gold and orange during the autumn or try to spot a holly bush in bloom during the winter!
Many of these beautiful plants started life as a tiny little seed. In this blog post we are going to find out how you can grow a plant from a seed :)
What seed will I pick?
In spring and summer you might spot seed packets for sale in the local garden centre or supermarket. Usually the seeds on offer are for flowering plants, fruit and vegetables, you could grow a tree from a seed but it would take a long time for it to grow!
A rule of thumb is that the larger the seed the easier it is to grow, although some smaller flower seeds are easy to grow too.
Our infographic will help you pick a flower to grow!
These seeds could grow into a tasty meal!
Planting your seed.
Now you're ready to plant your seed!
EQUIPMENT
Seeds
Paper cups or an empty egg carton
Soil
Spoon or a small trowel
Spray bottle
Using a spoon or trowel add soil to your paper cup or egg carton until it is about 3/4 full.
Place two or three seeds on the surface of the soil.
Add a thin layer of soil to cover the seeds.
Spray the seed with some water.
Place your cup or carton in a safe place indoors away from direct heat and sunlight.
Taking care of your seed.
The next thing to do is to take care of your seed as it starts to grow. Plants need water and sunlight to grow so if it feels a little bit dry give the plant a couple of squirts from the water bottle until the soil is damp. Keep an eye on your seed and watch it grow.
Moving your plant outdoors.
When the plant grows too large for the egg carton or paper cup you can move it into a larger pot and take it outdoors.
How to repot your plant
EQUIPMENT
Plant pots
Soil
Trowel or spoon
Watering can
Fill your plant pot almost to the top with soil.
Use your finger or a spoon to make a small well in the centre of the soil.
Gently remove your small plant from its container.
Loosen the roots and remove any excess soil.
Place your plant into the well in the new plant pot.
Add some extra soil and press down to make sure the plant won't fall over or easily come out of the pot.
Sprinkle with water from the watering can.
Move to a sheltered spot outdoors.
Taking care of your plant.
Be very proud of yourself, you have grown a beautiful plant from a tiny seed. Now you need to take care of the plant while it grows. Check the plant regularly to see if it needs watered or any weeds removed. If you have planted a sunflower or bean plant you might need to support the stem with a cane. If you have planted vegetables you might want to move the plant to the school veg patch. Keep taking care of your plant and hopefully you will be rewarded with flowers, fruit or vegetables!
Showing off your plant
Growing a plant from a seed is something to tell people about. Take some photos of the progress your plant is making and post on social media or share in assembly. Maybe you've planted enough veg to make a tasty salad or soup to enjoy with your classmates. Whatever you do, enjoy the process and be proud of your achievement and remember, most of the plants you see started life as a tiny seed :)
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