Yes, it is Wisconsin and we are in the heart of winter, but that doesn't mean that spring is not in our hearts! We can think spring all winter long, making it the perfect time to get planting and planning inside with your kids! Soon we will be planting again here at Ebert's, but you certainly don't need a greenhouse to get started! As you plan to do some of the activities listed below, think about possibly making or planting extras so that your kids can give away one or a few of the projects! They would make great gifts for a teacher, family member, or friend, and could be given for Valentine's Day, other upcoming holidays, birthdays, or just as a special unexpected surprise! It is so fun to pass on the " gift of gardening," and let the "spring fever" catch on!"
Think Spring Ideas......
Make Garden Markers
Making your own garden markers is not only fun and creative but also incredibly useful for planting! These markers can be used in your outdoor garden or for starting seeds indoors.
Spoon Markers
Brighten up wooden spoons with acrylic paint. Once they’ve dried, use permanent markers to write the plant name, draw a picture of the plant, or do both! These creative markers are a great way to add a personal touch to your garden.
Credit: Playground Park Bench
Rock Markers
Collect, purchase, or find flat rocks with a large enough surface to paint. After the paint has dried, label them by writing the plant name or drawing a picture of the herb, vegetable, or flower using permanent markers. Young artists might enjoy painting the actual plant—simple shapes like carrots, beets, or peas work especially well! Acrylic paints are ideal, and a clear sealer spray can help protect your design, especially for outdoor use.
Credit: Princess Pinky Girl
Popsicle Stick Markers
Writing plant names on popsicle sticks is a simple and fun activity for kids. It’s a great way to practice letter writing and spelling skills while creating useful markers for starting seeds indoors!
Let's Get Planting
*Repot Together- Transplant houseplants or herbs that have outgrown their recent home using a tarp or old plastic tablecloth, and a spot that is easy to clean up. Not only will it be a fun learning activity (pointing out the different roots, leaves, etc.), but your plants will be so thankful!
*Start Seeds-Use any of the following containers or your own creative ideas from items that you have at home to start seeds inside!
*Seed Containers -Use egg cartons, jars, milk cartons, milk jugs, mugs, coffee cups, small baskets, or even old toys that are smaller and can hold dirt to start seeds.
*Seeds to Plant-Vegetables such as lettuce, radishes, snap peas, beans, and carrots are great! Flowers such as nasturtiums, sunflowers, cosmos, zinnia, and marigolds are fun flowers to try! So many herbs are wonderful to plant in a kitchen garden such as basil, mint, chives, parsley, sage, and lemon balm.
Terra Cotta Planter Art
Use different-sized terra cotta pots and acrylic paints to let your kids design their own planters! They can create patterns, spring-themed designs, or even paint animals. Once the paint has dried, apply a clear acrylic spray to preserve their artwork. Smaller pots are perfect for starting seeds, while larger pots can be saved for transplanting seedlings when they need more space to grow.
Credit: Mom Always Finds Out
Credit: Fun365 by Oriental Trading
We can't wait to see everyone again this April, and until then, hope you enjoy some gardening inside! We look forward to letting you know about all the exciting kid's offerings that we are planning for the 2025 season soon!
All your friends at Ebert's Greenhouse Village
