Make Unusual Pots for Plants

[30 Minutes]

Planting seeds or cuttings suddenly becomes great fun when the pot you're using is an old hat or sneaker! Your child will love finding odd things to use as planters!

You'll need:

• seeds: herbs, small flowers, strawberries or grass • old sneakers, hats, plastic jug, etc. • water • plastic • soil

What to do:

1. Tell your child that you are going to make a planter out of something unusual such as an old sneaker or an old hat.
2. Invite your child to choose the unusual "pot."
3. Show him how to line the bottom of the sneaker or hat with plastic. Punch holes in the bottom for drainage.
4. Help him fill the planter with soil.
5. Choose seeds for herbs, small flowers, strawberries, or grass.
6. Help your child plant the seeds in the soil and keep them in a sunny place. Show him how to add water with a small paper cup or child-sized watering can when the soil becomes dry.
7. Encourage your child to display his unusual garden on a windowsill or on a table.
8. Sing this song as you garden. (Tune: "Farmer in the Dell")

   The farmer plants the seed,
   The farmer plants the seed,
   Heigh ho the derry oh,
   The farmer plants the seed.
   
   "The farmer waters the soil..."
   "The farmer pulls the weeds..."

9. Together with your child make up new verses to the song.

How to use:

Your child may wish to give his unusual planter to someone special.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What did we use to make a planter?
• What did we plant in the planter?
• What does the plant need to grow?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop observational skills and language skills.