"The love of gardening is a seed that once sown never dies." Gertrude Jekyll
As many of you know, New England Easters can be quite dicey, weather-wise. This year, the fabulous weather has ushered Spring into our lives in a big way. Spring means growing things and that brings to mind a riot of green ideas. Shall we grow "cat grass"? Color celery with spectacular stripes? Design a fairy house? Create a rye grass diorama? Build a terrarium for a slow-moving snail? Sprout sweet potato vines? Help a little 'Jack' or 'Jill' grow a beanstalk?
We thought we'd start by watching grass grow! Oat grass, also known as "cat grass," is particularly interesting to our furry friends who love to graze on it. Those of us with big imaginations and/or no cats, may choose to use our grass as a background for creative play - oat grass makes a tall jungle, good for stories with tigers, rhinos, or dinosaurs. Rye grass creates tamer lawns and meadows, good for miniature picnics or fairy dances.
As many of you know, New England Easters can be quite dicey, weather-wise. This year, the fabulous weather has ushered Spring into our lives in a big way. Spring means growing things and that brings to mind a riot of green ideas. Shall we grow "cat grass"? Color celery with spectacular stripes? Design a fairy house? Create a rye grass diorama? Build a terrarium for a slow-moving snail? Sprout sweet potato vines? Help a little 'Jack' or 'Jill' grow a beanstalk?
We thought we'd start by watching grass grow! Oat grass, also known as "cat grass," is particularly interesting to our furry friends who love to graze on it. Those of us with big imaginations and/or no cats, may choose to use our grass as a background for creative play - oat grass makes a tall jungle, good for stories with tigers, rhinos, or dinosaurs. Rye grass creates tamer lawns and meadows, good for miniature picnics or fairy dances.
What You'll Need:
1 sturdy, 4-8" growing container (we used an 8" heavy, glass square dish), 3-5" deep
Small package of potting soil
Water
1-2 Tbsp. Oat Grass seeds (preferred by cats, good for jungles) or rye seeds (better for lawns and meadows.) Use organic or pesticide-free seeds for your child's and cat's safety.
You may find seeds at a local garden center or they may be ordered on-line. Among the possibilities: www.catgrass.com, www.amazon.com, and www.poopsiecat.com.
Day 1 - Getting Started.
1. Fill your container half-full with potting soil.
2. Water the soil thoroughly (but not soupy!)
3. Sprinkle 1-2 Tablespoons of your oat seeds over the surface.
4. Cover with another inch of potting soil.
5. Dampen with water once more & place in a sunny window.
6. Daily watering is a superior job for friends tiny and tall, hands big and small. Keep the soil damp, but not soggy.
Days 2, 3 - Something's Happening...
Tiny roots are forming and off to the right of center, a very tiny sprout is making its way to the surface. Exploring eyes may like to observe with a magnifying glass! (Also note that if you click on a picture on this blog, it will enlarge. Click again, and it will enlarge further.)
Day 4 - Magic!
Many small green shoots have begun to break the surface!
Day 5 - Still Growing...
Amazing root systems come to life in this little wonderland. Some bold blades are even taller than the container! The newest gardeners find this quick transformation so rewarding. Your cats may be curious but be patient! By waiting until Day 7 you will grant them a much larger feast. Don't forget to keep the soil moist!
Day 7 All Grown!
Kitty Approves!
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