
Mini Greenhouse
It can be tough to be a Pagan during the winter months. It’s dark, it’s cold, and it’s not as much fun to be outside when the weather drives one indoors.
It’s also tough to be a parent during the winter months, for much of the same reasons, compounded with endless energy and cabin fever.
While it is important to respect the natural cycles of the seasons, it is also highly appropriate to set up an indoor mini-greenhouse to allow the growth that makes us feel connected to the Spring and Summer to help us drive away the winter blues.
Materials needed:
- Large aluminum baking dish with a clear lid (Dollar Tree, Walmart, Target, grocery stores, etc all carry these)
- Seeds, bulbs, cuttings, etc., that you want to grow
- Soil
- Water
- If planting more than one plant type:
- Toothpicks
- Paper 2” x 2”
- Markers
- Tape
Instructions:
- Make a small sign for each of the plants you will be growing from the paper and markers.
- Tape each sign to the back of a toothpick.
- Fill the bottom of the baking dish with soil, about 3/4 up the sides.
- Following package directions for each seed type as best as possible given the small parameters, press down with your thumb to make a space for seeds to fall.
- Fill the spaces with seeds and cover with soil.
- Mark seed areas with signs.
- Water plants.
- Cover pan with clear lid to make a greenhouse.
- Place pan at window with light.
- Water as needed.
As the plants grow, explain the cycle of life to your child. When the plant begins to touch the top of the lid, transplant into a pot or outdoors if the weather is right and the threat of frost has past. Continue to assist your child in tending the plant and show them pride in creating life with their own hands.