Lesson Four:
Planting A SeedOn the day the children sample produce you may wish to have the children wash and set aside seeds. You can then label them and store them in a cool, damp, dark place until you are ready for this lesson.
You may wish to augment your seed collection with packages of seeds, or seedlings (like beginner tomatoes, beans, or small trees), avocado seeds, sprout seeds, or herbs.
To begin students can learn about the process of germination, and about how long it will take each plant to bear food. Sprouts, for instance, would be ready in a matter of days. Most vegetables would be ready in a matter of weeks. While apple and orange seeds might be fun to sprout as plants, it would take many years to enjoy their fruits.
The next day, the students can plant their seeds. There are a variety of ways you can choose, or will need to plant the seeds.
Sprouts: Sprouts germinate quickly with a little water. Use sprout germinators, if accessible.
Herbs: Herbs can be planted in cups. The seeds grow quickly, so children will soon have an edible plant to take home. We recommend an Italian herb that can easily be added to tomato sauce.
Seedlings: Seedlings come in trays, you may keep them in their containers or transfer them into slightly larger containers, depending on how long you will have them in the classroom. One interesting way to utilize seedlings is to break the children into groups. Have them all get the same types of plant, but in different stages, a seed, seedling, larger plant, etc. Depending on the plant you use, you can display increases stages of development.
Seeds: Plant the seeds either in flats, or individual cups. Make sure you use good potting soil.
Sweet Potato: To root a sweet potato in water, push toothpicks halfway into the potato. Then place the potato in a glass of water with the toothpicks resting on the top rim. Make sure the end of the potato is immersed in water. Place the glass where it will receive adequate light. Maintain the water level so that the bottom of the potato is always immersed. Note that in a few weeks roots will grow out of the sides and bottom of the potato, and leaves will grow out of the top. The plant can be left in the water or replanted in soil. This activity provides the children an opportunity to observe root growth.
Avocados: Avocados are a good seed to use because the plants development is readily available to the children, and when taken care of properly, can develop into a tree to grow at home. To plant the avocado seed you will need three toothpicks and a glass jar. Push the three toothpicks into the avocado, about a third of the way from the bottom (large end of pit). Place the avocado seed into a glass jar (The toothpicks should be balanced on the rim of the glass). The base of the pit should be in about one-half inch of water. Maintain this level by adding water. Never change the water level. As long as the water remains clear, the pit is not rotting. [If the pit does rot, discard it and start another pit.] Small roots will appear on the bottom. When the pit cracks you will see the stem(s). When the stem is 6 inches long, cut it back to 3 inches. This will help it grow into a bushy plant that you can plant in a larger container filled with dirt. Don't wait more than 3 weeks after cutting it to plant it.
To transfer plant: Be careful not to injure roots. Remove or break toothpicks off before planting. The upper portion of the seed must be exposed to allow new stems to grow. The avocado should be potted in a large clay pot in a light sandy soil mixture.
Send home the following instructions: Avocado plants need good light, but not too much direct sunlight. During the winter, keep the plant in a window where it gets as much light as possible. The plant wants to dry out just a bit between waterings. Use tepid water. Over watered plants will begin to wilt and shed dried leaves. These plants, as tropical plants, like warm conditions with a fairly high humidity. Spray misting, especially during the winter is useful in maintaining the avocado. They will do well at normal home temperature with a minimum of 60 degrees F. Keep the plant out of drafts (hot or cold).
A young plant in new soil doesn't need much fertilizer, but an older one which has remained in the same pot needs feeding. Plants which produce small leaves which fall from the plant may need fertilizer. Mature leaves will grow to about four inches. House plant fertilizers available from the variety, garden or florist shop are suitable. As the plant gets tall, some sort of support will have to be used. Place the support an inch or two away from the seed and push it to the bottom carefully so as not to injure too many delicate roots.
While plants are growing, have the children keep a log. They should draw pictures of their plants at different stages, write descriptions of their plants, and note how to care for them. You may also want to have them include other information they have learned throughout the plant food lesson. When they are big enough, the plants can be taken home and planted outdoors or in larger pots if appropriate. Children will be inspired throughout this lesson, know they will "own" their plants, and that they will be bringing them home at the end of the lesson.
A final thought, this project might be nice to have schools do in late spring, when more fresh produce is available and our thoughts turn to plants and planting.
