As I mentioned last week, our vegetable seeds arrived for our summer garden. This was our very first sign of spring around here … as we are still covered in snow. So we of course took the opportunity for a spring activity right away – with this seed sorting and comparing activity. And, trying to pace myself so we actually have some seeds left for the garden, this week I bring you our second seed activity. This one is all about seed germination for kids!
Seed germination, in a nut shell, is when a seed begins the growing process. This science activity is a fantastic one to do with young kids because it is simple, a relatively quick process, and easy to actually see.
This year we put a twist on the classic bean and wet paper towel science experiment. We added in some other veggie seeds too, to see which would germinate quickest. This will also give us a chance to compare roots and sprouts.
For this seed germination for kids activity:
We used:
a glass jar
paper towels
water
and seeds
First of all, we pushed sheets of paper towel, one at a time, into the glass jar. Once it was full, we added some water to wet it (dumping out any excess). Wetting the paper towel made room for a few more pieces to be pushed into the jar, and then wet again. We dumped out any excess water. We made sure the paper towel was rather packed so the seeds would stay nicely in place next to the glass.
Then, we picked four seeds: beans, snap peas, cucumber, and swiss chard. We pushed them down the side of the glass jar and supported them with the wet paper towel when pulling our fingers out.
Finally, I labelled each seed so we can make observations and comparisons. I am excited with all of the learning that could come from this science experiment. Perhaps we will be learning about time and calendars, measuring sprouts, or comparing colors …
We just did this activity today, and as Sammy could let you know (since he has checked every 30 minutes) the seeds have not started to sprout yet. But I will be sure to update you when they do! I’ll let you know which ones we had the best luck with as well.
Activities like this are a great way to bring the outdoors in and get little ones excited for the coming garden. Using a glass or clear plastic jar helps little ones to see and understand the root system – giving them the real life learning they need to understand what is really happening under the soil.
For Sammy’s sake – I certainly hope they germinate soon!
Diana Burress says
March 19, 2014 at 8:44 amGreat idea to compare different seeds. I also love the idea of using the mason jar.
Sarah says
April 3, 2014 at 12:31 pmThank you Diana!
Charlena Berry says
March 21, 2014 at 2:43 pmI LOVE this idea. We are big gardeners at home – and my daughter pointed out that we only get to see what happens above the dirt. It’s brilliant to do it in the mason jar to see what happens!
Sarah says
April 3, 2014 at 12:31 pmThank you Charlena! You just reminded me that I need to do an updated post – perhaps I will get to that tonight! The seeds grow so quick!
Robin says
April 3, 2015 at 3:22 pmLove this idea! My kids (2 and 3.5) love helping in the garden and we just started our seeds in the pots and doing this after nap today 🙂 we’re gonna do green beans, pepper, squash, and carrot since these are all things they love to eat!
Sarah says
April 7, 2015 at 12:04 pmSo fun Robin! We just started our seeds in their pots this weekend. Can’t wait for our summer garden!! I think I will do a weekly post with a picture about our garden, hoping others will join in and share their picture in the comments – want to join me?!
sarah says
March 15, 2017 at 9:00 pmDo you have results, like the length of the radical each day?
Sarah says
March 20, 2017 at 1:03 pmHi Sarah, no we did not take any detailed measurements – just observations. But please do share if you do this and get specifics!
Krista says
March 15, 2017 at 9:57 pmCan I use clear plastic cup? I need to know because I’m planning to do this experiment with preschoolers. Thank you.
Sarah says
March 20, 2017 at 1:02 pmYes for sure – a clear plastic cup will work just the same! I hope you guys have fun!
Linda says
March 3, 2019 at 3:07 pmThat was my question!! Thanks!! We have plastic Mason-style jars that I think will work perfectly! I think instead of measuring, we will take a photo every day, then make a documentation board with the photos (this is for a Reggio-inspired preschool class)
Sarah says
March 22, 2019 at 9:34 pmSuch a wonderful idea Linda!!! I would love to see what you create when you are done!
Amy Wong says
March 21, 2017 at 6:17 amHi Sarah!
Do we need to put the lid on the Mason Jar while we observe the seeds over the next couple of days? Do we need to keep the towels misted/watered? Thank you for the idea!
Sarah says
April 28, 2017 at 11:25 amHi Amy! No need for the lid, and yes keep the paper towel moist the whole time. Have fun!!!! Let me know how it goes for you!
Kristin says
April 25, 2017 at 8:55 amDo you water the paper towel everyday?
Sarah says
April 28, 2017 at 11:19 amHi Kristin,
Just ensure the paper towel stays moist – but you don’t want a pool of water at the bottom of the jar. Have fun!!
Sarah
Stefanie Mendoza says
March 25, 2018 at 3:42 pmHI there! At what point did you plant these in your garden? Any tips for that transfer?
Thanks!
Sarah says
April 6, 2018 at 11:22 amHi Stefanie,
We planted once it was warm enough outside to do so and they transferred just fine! We always ‘harden’ out plants before putting them in the garden. So we put them outside in the shade for a morning, then outside in the sun the next morning, then outside all day, etc. We do it rather quick over about a week and then pop them in the garden for good 🙂
Nicki H says
March 25, 2019 at 6:08 pmWith the multiple different seeds in one jar, did you transplant them all at the same time? Also, how do you take each sprout/roots out of the jar/paper towel without damaging them? (Did you do one seed of each type in the jar, so 4 sprouts per jar or more?) Thanks!!
Sarah says
March 25, 2019 at 9:12 pmHi Nicki! Yes, I transplanted the seeds all at once. I carefully pulled the paper towel away from the glass and slid out each little plant. They come out quite easily. I did do one seed of each type in this example. Hope this helps!
Sarah says
April 6, 2018 at 12:48 pmI want to do this project with my grandson. Do you have any advice for someone who can kill a cactus not once not twice but three times. How do I get the seeds to grow without killing them first?
Sarah says
May 13, 2018 at 12:28 pmOh you can do it!! They sprout so quickly so you only need to remember about caring them for a very short while. Just make sure the paper towel stays damp but not soaking wet and you are golden!
Komal Patel says
May 18, 2018 at 6:51 pmHow long did it take to sprout? I have my daughter’s STEM night in couple of weeks and would like to display the jar there. Do you think the seeds would sprout in two weeks?
Sarah says
July 5, 2018 at 7:54 pmYes, you will definitely have sprouts in time! Have fun!
Lori says
March 10, 2019 at 10:05 am? the idea for my twin granddaughters. Thank you
Sarah says
March 22, 2019 at 9:31 pmOh I am so glad Lori! Thank you for letting me know.
Janine says
March 19, 2020 at 9:12 amHi! Does the jar need to stand in sunlight? Or just bright light?
Sarah says
March 19, 2020 at 10:25 pmThis is a great question! I have always done it in sunlight, but I would be intrigued to know if it works with regular light bulbs. If you try it please let me know!
Kim Villanti says
March 20, 2020 at 5:23 pmWhere did you purchase your seeds from?
Sarah says
March 21, 2020 at 10:37 pmHeirloom Organics is where we like to buy our seeds!
Amanda says
June 11, 2020 at 12:56 amHi! I want to do this with kids at my summer camp but we are all outside all day (especially now with COVID), would it be possible to keep the jars outside or would the heat kill the plants/seeds in the jars? It gets up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit here.
Sarah says
July 9, 2020 at 8:59 pmHi Amanda, What a great question. This project should still work for you. I would suggest putting the jars in a shady spot and to keep the paper towel nice and moist. Thanks for asking!