How Do Plants Grow?

When I think of Earth Day and Arbor Day, images of plants, trees and the color green come to mind. Since I already shared this tree craft and story to encourage kids to do their part in taking care of all living things, I thought it would be fun to do an activity that answers a question at the root of the matter . . . how do plants grow? This simple planting activity shows kids in just a matter of days how plants grow. Really!

Here’s What You Need To Answer the Question How Do Plants Grow:

• Wheat grass seeds
• Potting soil
• Plastic cup
• Small stones

Here’s How to Answer the Question How Do Plants Grow:

1. Place small stones in the bottom of a plastic cup until one inch of the cup is filled with stones.

2. Add potting soil to the plastic cup until the cup is about 3/4 of the way filled.

3. Use your finger to create a hole in the soil about one inch deep.

4. Sprinkle a handful of wheat grass seeds into the hole in the soil.

5. Cover the seeds with a little potting soil.

6. Add water to the cup until it rises half way up the layer of small stones.

7. Place cup by a window.

Within a few days, roots will begin to grow. By the end of a week, grass will be visible at the top of the cup. By the next week, the grass will be so long it may need a trim!

This planting activity helps answer the question “how do plants grow” by showing kids that plants grow when you add water and sunlight to seeds in soil. Then you wait. Luckily wheat grass seeds grow quickly or this activity would be as much fun as watching paint dry!