If you are a teacher looking for a way to explain the steps of how seeds germinate, or perhaps you’re a curious kid looking for something fun and safe to experiment with, then this activity is for you! The material required are super basic and the results are quite thrilling. Ready to get your hands dirty?

Ok, before we do the fun part, it is important to know what we are getting ourselves into. We are about to grow a seed into a plant. The first step is to allow the seed to germinate.

What does "germinate" mean?

Germination is first takes place after a seed that has been dormant for some time, decides to sprout and grow. For germination to take place, the seed needs to be exposed to the correct elements. These elements include: a suitable amount of water, oxygen, light and temperature. When a seed is happy with its condition, the shell starts to burst open and out pops a root, and then a shoot. 

Time To Germinate Your Own Seed!

My own image

I’ll list all the materials you will need shortly, must the most important “ingredient” here is the seed. If this is your first time germinating a seed, then I suggest you start off with something that sprouts quickly and easily. Bean seeds tend to sprout by the 7th day, making them a good starting point if you are impatient to see results.

Here’s what you will need:

• A transparent CD case
• Potting soil, just a good hand full
• Seeds, small enough to fit into the case
• Elastic band
• Water

Instructions:

1. Remove the inserts from your CD so that you are just left with the transparent case
2. Open the case and place it onto a flat surface, with the inner part facing upwards
3. Moisten your potting soil with a little water, it should only be damp to the touch with no actual water visible
4. Place a hand full, maybe less, of soil onto the bottom inner part of the CD case
5. Add two or three beans/seeds to the dirt, preferably in the centre.
6. Close the lid and secure it with your elastic band
7. Place the CD case in an are that gets a good amount of sunlight daily
8. Now, you wait!

* Make sure your soil doesn’t dry out, if it looks dry, open the case and spray ot with some water to dampen it again.

The bean or seed will lay dormant for about 7-10 days. At first you will see a root appear from the coat of the seed, this allows the plant to have access to more water. Next, shoots begin to grow, which then develop stems and leaves, these parts grow upwards to harness the sun’s energy for more development.

Image Source

Once the bean or seed has been sprouted and the root and shoot development is sturdy, the sprouts can be placed into pots where they will have more room to grow. Continue to care for your plant and in a few months you will be able to harvest its produce, which is a wonderful and rewarding feeling!

Much love - @sweetpea

(bringing you original content)