The Kids’ Garden Club: February “Wake Up!” Edition

🌿 The Kids’ Garden Club: February “Wake Up!” Edition

The ground might still be chilly, but the garden is starting to yawn and stretch! This month, we are being “Window Gardeners” and “Birdie Chefs.”

1. What to Plant This Month 🌱

It’s too cold for most babies to be outside, so we’re going to start them on the warmest windowsill in the house:

• Tomatoes: These take a long time to grow, so starting them now in a small pot indoors gives them a “head start.”

• Sweet Peas: These are beautiful climbing flowers that smell amazing. Soak the seeds in a cup of water overnight before planting to help them “wake up.”

• “Loo-Roll” Peas: Save your empty toilet paper tubes! Fill them with soil and plant a single pea seed in each. Peas love deep roots, and when it’s warmer, you can plant the whole tube directly into the ground!

2. DIY Project: The “Birdie Bistro” 🍎

In February, birds have a hard time finding snacks. Let’s help them out!

What you need:

• An apple or a pinecone

• Sunflower seeds or birdseed

• A little bit of string

• Optional: Peanut butter (or sunflower butter)

The Mission:

1. Tie the string around the top of your apple or pinecone.

2. Cover it in a thin layer of peanut butter (it’s the “glue”).

3. Roll it in the seeds until it’s completely covered.

4. Hang it on a tree branch near a window so you can watch your customers arrive for lunch!

3. Garden Detective Challenge: The “First Sign” Hunt 🔍

Spring is hiding—can you find it? Put on your coat and boots and go on a 5-minute mission in the garden or park to find:

• The Tiny Tips: Look for green “spears” poking out of the mud (these are usually Snowdrops or Daffodils).

• The Sticky Buds: Find a tree and look at the tips of the branches. Are there little bumps? Those are leaves waiting for the sun!

• The Winter Song: Stand very still. Can you hear a bird singing? They start practicing their songs in February to get ready for Spring.

4. Monthly Checklist ✅

• [ ] Wash your pots: Get your plastic pots ready for Spring by giving them a “bubble bath” in the sink.

• [ ] Check the Water: Indoor plants get thirsty too! Give your windowsill plants a tiny drink once a week.

• [ ] Map it Out: Draw a picture of what you want your garden to look like when the sun comes out. Will there be a giant pumpkin? A flower rainbow?

Top Tip for February: If you see a flower called a Snowdrop (a tiny white flower hanging its head), don’t pick it! It’s one of the very first meals for bees that wake up early. 🐝