Recycle paper towel rolls, eggshells and other kitchen items to start seeds for a garden. Once the seeds sprout, these homemade pots can be planted directly in the ground. 

What You Need: 

• Biodegradable kitchen recyclables– paper towel tubes, eggshells, citrus rinds (lime, lemon, orange, etc.), cardboard egg cartons, newspaper 
• Potting soil 
• Seeds to plant 

What You Do: 

1. Create “pots” from items in your kitchen by emptying the contents, hollowing out the middle or folding to create a bottom.   
2. Cut the paper towel tube (or use toilet paper tube) into thirds.  Fold the bottom of one end in so that it creates a base. 
3. Crack an egg and empty the contents.  Save the shell cup for planting.   
4. Cut the citrus fruit in half and scrape the contents out, creating two bowls for planting. 
5. Fill the pots with potting soil and add the seed of your choice.  
6. Place pots in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist.  A spray bottle works well for spritzing. 
7. Once the seeds begin to sprout, bury the pots directly into the soil and watch your garden grow. 

Words to Use: 

• Recycle: To put used objects or materials through a special process so that they can be used again. 
• Biodegradable: Materials, chemicals etc. that are biodegradable are changed naturally by bacteria into substances that do not harm the environment. 
• Compost: A mixture of decayed plants, leaves etc. used to improve the quality of soil.

What to Talk About: 

• How long do you think that it will take the seed to sprout? 
• How is the seed or plant like a person or an animal?  What do they all need in order to survive and thrive? 
• What do you think will happen to the pot once we plant it in the ground? 
• What are your favorite flowers, vegetables or fruits? Let’s research a few. 

Change It Up:  

• Research other biodegradable materials and be creative with what you use to start your seeds. 
• Try sprouting a seed in a damp paper towel placed in a Ziploc bag.  Tape the bag to the window to create your own greenhouse. 
• Get your family involved.  Let every family member pick their favorite flower, vegetable or fruit to plant.  
• Create plant markers for your garden using rocks, wooden sticks, or seashells and paint. 
• Start a compost pile to enhance the soil in your garden.

Learning Connections:  

• Communication 
• Curiosity 
• Innovation 
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) 
• Nature Exploration 

Curriculum Connections:  

• Science: 1.F.2, 1.L.1, 1.L.2, 3.L.2, 5.L.2,  
• Social Studies: K.G.2, 1.G.2, 2.G.2, 3.G.1.3