Water bottle Greenhouses.

These are just soooooo pretty.  I got these seeds a few months ago and yesterday I decided to plant a few as an experiment.  I know that they will grow that part isn't the experience it is the way that I am starting them.

These 8oz Water bottles are now mini Greenhouses.  Simply cut around the bottle at the point where it begins to get smaller.  Not all the way but most of the way.  Cut it around till you can easily fold or bend back the top.  Put in some soil, seeds, and more soil if needed.  Make sure to water it.  Then take some tape and close the bottle again.  2 pieces should do it.  I used a Zip-tie to label the bottles.  Granted this would only work if you write down someplace safe what each color means.  This is a great way to start some seeds in the dead of winter.  Also known as winter sowing.  After you have it taped up to keep it closed simply place outside in the snow or just on the porch.  When spring comes around and thaws everything out your mini Greenhouses will be the first to start germinating.

I am leaving these inside as I want to see how well they will do.  Mainly because usually this method is done with much larger bottles or milk jugs.  I want to see if the smaller space is enough.  That and it is fun for kids to do.  Their own little Greenhouses in their windows.

Kids in the Garden Part 2

Between Jiffy and Burpee they seem to be the only main brands I buy when it comes to plants or seeds. These cute little kids cups from Jiffy are no exception. So easy a Cavekid and do it you just add water to the growing medium. Once it is expanded spread with a fork....tons of fun for kids of all ages. Add the 3 seeds provided. Put the lid back on (dome up instead) and wait. Once they start to grow you remove the lid. Once they show true leaves you take the biopot out of the kid cup and plant it. I love how both Lowes and Home Depot are selling lots of kid friendly gardening items to include these type of cups and also Veggie Tales seeds. Granted I am sure that Veggie Tale Carrot seeds will still grow to look like Burpee Carrot's but for kids it adds something different to the experiance.