Caterpillar

“Mine” and “Caterpillar” (named by my 2 kids)

Caterpillars

May 8, 2012        

This caterpillar makes a fun first-time gardening project for kids!  There are multiple themes you can use but in this one I chose grass seeds because it grows fast and you’re kids can have fun cutting the ‘hair’ on the caterpillar. These also make fun gifts to give to the grandparents or even a teacher. J

Supplies needed:

·         3 cups potting soil

·         3 tablespoons quick-sprouting grass seed

·         Small yogurt container or paper cup (bottom cut out)

·         Knee-high nylon stocking

·         Colorful ponytail holders

·         Scissors

·         Plastic bag

·         Googly eyes

                                   

Instructions

1.      Combine the potting soil and seed in a large bowl.  Cut the bottom off of the paper cup or use a wide funnel your nylon stocking can fit over. Pour or spoon 3⁄4 to 1 cup of the soil mixture into the stocking, then slide a colorful ponytail holder over each section (5 total). Tie a knot in the top of the stocking and trim away any excess nylon.

2.      Submerge the caterpillar in water for 10 minutes, then place it in a plastic bag and let it sit overnight.

3.      Remove the bag and loop a semi-straightened bobby pin through the front of the stocking, then glue a googly eyes onto each end of the pin.  You can find some googly eyes at any hobby store, glue eyes in place.

4.      Set your caterpillar on a plate by a sunny window or outside in the garden. If you use grass seed your critter should sprout hair in about 4 to 5 days.

5.      Using vegetables is not recommended as it requires more dirt for roots.  Green onions, spinach, thyme or chives can be clipped as needed and the will keep growing back.

Just remember the plants you choose must have a small root system, and have an aluminum pan to put it in to get good and wet, if it feels dry water it, if it still feels cool and moist than it’s o.k. 

NOTE:  If you love this idea you can choose to make larger flower, herb or even a salad themed caterpillar by using a thigh high stocking. Choose your favorite salad items, tomatoes won’t work here because of root system but here are a few suggestions that will work well:

·         Herbs

·         Radishes

·         Small carrots

·         Spinach

·         Violas

You can make a cute flower critter that can sit on table while your little girl is having a tea party with her friends, let your imagination run with it. Just remember the plants you choose must have a small root system and I highly recommend setting something under your caterpillar to aid in watering.  If it feels dry water it, if it feels cool and moist to the touch then it’s o.k.

The photos below show you two more caterpillars in their growing process. I planted one with flowers and one with herbs. You can also mix grass seeds with other plants to fill your own caterpillar out completely. 

                                                                               

  
 

  

Happy Gardening!!!

Kouponing Kristyn J