Garden Guide: How to grow plants from seed

Garden Guide: How to grow plants from seed - for kids!

Starting plants from seed is easy and rewarding if you keep a few things in mind! Here's a step-by-step guide about how (and what) to grow from seed.

Alex Calamia

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Apr 9, 2025, 9:55 AM

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Updated 3 days ago

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There are few things as rewarding as watching a plant grow from seed. It's especially fun if you include your kids, grandkids, or students!

Starting plants from seed is an easy lesson about nature, growth, and responsibility. Here's how to do it:

1. Gather the Materials

Here are a few basic supplies you'll need:

Containers with drainage holes: You can use small pots, plastic containers, or even repurpose things like yogurt cups or egg cartons. Make sure there are holes underneath for drainage.
Potting soil: A good potting mix will provide the right environment for seeds to grow strong. These mixes let water flow out quickly, which will prevent rot.
Water: Make sure you have a watering container to get the soil wet before you start planting! You can also place seeds in a glass of water for a day or 2 to help wake the seeds up.
Seeds: Start with plants that have large seeds. Big seeds are easier to see and handle, making them perfect for younger children or students.

2. Pre-soak the Seeds

For the best results, soak your seeds in water for about 24 hours before planting. This helps the seeds "wake up" and get ready to germinate.

3. Prepare the Soil

Before planting the seeds, make sure the soil is nice and damp. The potting mix is usually dry when it's coming right from the package. Dry soil doesn't absorb water as easily as moist soil, so it's important to make sure plenty of water has soaked into the soil before you begin to plant.

4. Plant the Seeds

Place at least 2 seeds in the soil, and cover the seeds lightly with a small amount of soil. How much soil do you need to bury them? Here's a tip: Use the width of the seed as a guide. For example, a sunflower seed should be planted about 1/2 inch deep because the seeds are about a 1/2 inch wide.

After covering the seeds, gently water the soil again until the water drains out of the container. This ensures the seeds are thoroughly watered without becoming waterlogged.

5. Create a Mini Greenhouse

To keep the soil from drying out too quickly, place a clear glass or plastic cup over the newly potted seeds. This acts as a mini greenhouse, trapping moisture and warmth to help the seeds germinate. Remove the cover once the seeds begin sprouting to give them plenty of room to grow.

6. Choose the Right Plants

While most seeds can be started indoors, some are better suited for classroom or home gardening. Here are a few suggestions:

Sunflowers: These plants have large seeds and are easy to sprout, but they require a lot of light. If you’re starting them indoors, make sure to place them near a sunny window, or under grow lights. Even by a bright window, sunflower seedlings may grow weak and “stretch out” in search of sunlight. These plants are best moved outside at the first sign of sprouting - but they require warm weather to grow. Squash, beans, and nasturtium are also great warm-weather choices.
Snow Peas: One of the best plants to grow with kids in April is snow peas. These hardy plants can handle colder temperatures and sprout quickly, making them ideal for starting indoors. Snow peas only take about two months to produce flowers and fruit, so kids can enjoy a harvest right before the school year ends. They’re easy to care for and offer a fast reward!

Final Thoughts

Starting seeds with kids is a simple, fun, and educational activity that helps children learn about science, weather, and the importance of taking care of living things. And of course, the experience is a great way to introduce kids to gardening and get them outside. Happy gardening!