Malcolm Rands: Green activities for lockdown kids

Green kids in lockdown Lockdown is a special time - It can be an opportunity to reevaluate what’s important. There are plenty of eco habits we could start, and it’s a special time to spend with the kids.   We are going to look at some fun and educational games, projects to do with the kids.   Kumara in a jar  You can grow beautiful green vines anywhere you want them, and any time of year.    You need: kumara, toothpicks, a jar or glass, non-chlorinated water.  1. Wash the kumara thoroughly but gently 2. Make sure the kumara can fit at least a third of its length into the jar 3. Insert the toothpicks a third the way down it 4. Place in jar and fill with water  5. In-between 10-14 days the kumara will start to bud. Make sure the kids are aware of this process.  Now for three to six months vines will grow from these bud. You can let them dangle or train them to go where ever you choose.  Egg shell people   There is a long tradition of starting your seedling in empty egg shells. The egg shells are a fertiliser and will add calcium to the garden - plus you are recycling!  Our idea is more for decoration.   1. For a week or so be careful how you crack eggs, leaving half to two thirds and put back in the carton.  2. Wash the eggshell seed pots with warm soapy water and punch a hole in the bottom with a heavy needle or similar, for drainage. 3. Use non-toxic makers and get the kids to draw faces on them. Maybe of people you know like granddad or grandma.  4. Put them in egg cups or the old egg cartoon and explain that the strength they have is because of the shape of the egg even though the egg shell is very delicate.  5. Fill with sterile seed raising mix, and seeds that will come up with lots of small stems, like mustard, cress, or alfalfa. This will look just like hair! 6. Place them in filtered light and keep the water up, and wait for the results. You can do exactly the same thing to start your spring vegetables, herbs and flowers. With these, once they have more than 2 true leaves, they could be transplanted into your garden.  LISTEN ABOVE

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