Balcony gardening for kids

Safety first

Wash hands well after every project. Never eat any plant unless a grown-up confirms it is a food plant, and never taste or pick an unknown plant. The seeds and beans in these projects are for growing, not for eating. Keep soil and seeds away from the mouths of children under five. Place pots low and stable on the balcony, and supervise children near edges and railings. Check for allergies to pollen, soil or seeds before you start. Do not use pesticides or other chemicals; plain water is enough. Age hints are only a guide, so you know your child best.

1. Sprouts on damp cloth

Age hint: 6 and up.

You need: a clean recycled tray or lid, a cotton cloth, a spoonful of whole mung beans or chickpeas, and water.

1. Soak the beans in water overnight with a grown-up.
2. Lay the damp cloth in the tray and spread the beans on it.
3. Keep the cloth damp, not swimming, and rinse the beans gently each day.
4. Watch each day for tiny roots and shoots.

Notice: Which part appears first, the root or the shoot?

Care tip: Use a shaded spot indoors or on the balcony, out of strong sun.

2. A herb cutting in a jar

Age hint: 7 and up.

You need: a clean jar, water, and one short stem cut by a grown-up from a herb plant.

1. Ask a grown-up to cut a stem and remove the lowest leaves.
2. Stand the stem in a jar of water.
3. Place the jar in bright light, away from the edge.
4. Change the water every few days.

Notice: Do you see roots forming, and what colour are they?

Care tip: Keep the jar low and steady so it cannot tip.

3. Cress or coriander in a cup

Age hint: 5 and up.

You need: a clean cup with holes poked by a grown-up, a little soil, a few seeds, and a saucer.

1. Fill the cup nearly to the top with soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top and press them in gently.
3. Sprinkle water until the soil feels like a wrung-out sponge.
4. Stand the cup on the saucer in a bright place.

Notice: How does the first green leaf unfold?

Care tip: Water a little at a time and let extra drain into the saucer.

4. Regrow a spring onion

Age hint: 6 and up.

You need: a spring onion bought for the kitchen, a small jar, and water.

1. Ask a grown-up to cut off the green part for cooking.
2. Stand the white root end in a jar with a little water.
3. Put the jar on a bright shelf.
4. Change the water often, and watch.

Notice: How much has it grown since yesterday? Mark the jar to see.

Care tip: Keep only the roots in water; the rest stays dry.

5. Pot of bright flowers

Age hint: 7 and up.

You need: a recycled tub or large tin with drainage holes, soil, and flower seeds or a small seedling.

1. Ask a grown-up to make holes in the base.
2. Fill the pot with soil and press in the seeds or seedling.
3. Water gently and put it in a sunny, sheltered spot.
4. Sit quietly nearby and look for bright flowers insects visit.

Notice: Which insects visit, and what do they do on the flowers?

Care tip: Look from a polite distance and do not touch visiting insects.

6. Mini compost jar

Age hint: 8 and up.

You need: a large clean jar with a lid, fruit peels, dry leaves or torn paper, and a spoon.

1. Ask a grown-up to punch a few small air holes in the lid.
2. Add a layer of dry leaves, then chopped fruit peels.
3. Sprinkle a spoonful of water and stir gently.
4. Check weekly and keep the lid on.

Notice: How do the peels change over time, and what do you smell?

Care tip: Keep the jar out of direct sun and add only fruit peels, never cooked food.

More to do on Rangooo

Try some easy science activities, take a nature walk, watch who visits with bird and bug watching for kids, track sun, wind and rain with weather watching activities, make a pot decoration with easy paper crafts, browse more stories and activities, or see resources for teachers.

Questions

What age is balcony gardening for?

These projects suit ages five to ten with a grown-up nearby. Cress or coriander in a cup works well for the youngest, while the herb cutting and compost jar suit older children.

How long will things take to grow?

Plants differ, so there is no fixed time. Expect something to happen in a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the weather. Keep watching and noting changes.

Do we need to buy special pots?

No. Clean jars, cups, tins and tubs work well. Ask a grown-up to make drainage holes where needed, and wash anything before you reuse it.

Can we eat what we grow?

Only if a grown-up confirms it is a food plant and is safe for your family. These projects are mainly for watching and learning, so check first.