Is there anything more magical than a flower that grows taller than you do? Sunflowers are an absolute classic for kids. Not only are they bright and cheerful, but they also turn the garden into a living mathematics lesson!
Give the kids a measuring tape and let them track their sunflower's height every single week. It’s a brilliant way to keep them engaged with the garden all summer long.
What You Need:
- Sunflower Seeds: Look for varieties with "Giant" in the name, like 'Russian Giant' or 'Mongolian Giant'.
- Small Starter Pots: Old yogurt pots with holes poked in the bottom are perfect.
- Peat-free compost and a measuring tape!
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Sow Indoors: Fill your small pots with compost. Poke a hole about 2cm deep, drop in one seed, and cover it up. Keep it on a sunny windowsill.
- Wait and Water: Keep the soil damp but not swimming in water. Within a week or two, a little green shoot will pop up.
- Plant Outside: When the seedling has a few pairs of leaves and the weather has warmed up (usually late May or June), dig a hole in a sunny spot in the garden and plant it outside.
- Support and Measure: As it grows taller, tie the stem gently to a bamboo cane so the Irish wind doesn't snap it. Grab the measuring tape and start your weekly chart!
🐌 Slug Red Alert!
Irish slugs think young sunflower seedlings are the most delicious snack in the world. Keep your seedlings up high on a table or windowsill until their stems are thick and hairy before planting them in the ground.
