Green Thumb

My husband is a 4-H graduate who has passed on his love for gardening to our children...and I'm thrilled! It's beneficial to have your children interested in science at at early age...and it's fascinating for them to watch life begin in a plant. In addition, digging in the dirt is a relaxing pastime with many physical benefits. And with the environmental issues facing us, it's great to get your children interested in green activities as soon as possible.

If you yearn for your children to acquire a green thumb, this project is for you! We started it a month ago and have had great results.

Step 1
Hold a firm sweet potato with the pointy end down. Have your child push four toothpicks crosswise into the vegetable about two-thirds of the way up (see left).

Step 2
Put the pointy end of the sweet potato in a glass so the toothpicks rest on the rim. Fill the glass almost to the top with lukewarm water.

Step 3
Place in a sunny spot and change the water every 2 to 3 days. In a few days, roots will begin to sprout from the bottom; in about 2 weeks, leaves and stems will start sprouting from the top.

Step 4
Keep the plant in the glass until it gets too big — usually in a couple of months — then plant it 3 to 4 inches deep in a pot filled with potting soil. Keep moist.

The sweet potato is a member of the morning glory family; just like that flower, you can train the vines to grow wherever you want.

Found at wondertime.com.