In a world where kids are often disconnected from the origins of their food, seed saving offers a unique opportunity to bridge that gap. Teaching children about seed saving not only fosters their understanding of where food comes from but also instills valuable lessons on sustainability, self-sufficiency, and the importance of respecting the environment.

Why Save Seeds with Kids?

• Educational: Seed saving is a hands-on learning experience that teaches kids about plant anatomy, genetics, and the life cycle of plants.
• Sustainable: Saving seeds reduces waste and promotes self-sufficiency by allowing you to reuse seeds from year to year.
• Bonding: Seed saving can be a fun and rewarding activity that parents and children can enjoy together, creating lasting memories.

How to Save Seeds with Kids

Harvesting Seeds:

• Collect seeds from your garden in late summer and fall.
• Leave some flower heads on the plant to dry and then gather the seeds.
• Remove seeds from ripe fruit and dry them on newspaper or paper towels.
• Collect seeds while on nature walks or hikes.

Storing Seeds:

• Dry seeds thoroughly to prevent mold.
• Store each type of seed in its own labeled container in a cool, dry area.
• Use silica gel or powdered milk to keep seeds dry.

Seed Saving Activities for Kids

• Board games: Create board games using seeds as game pieces.
• Art projects: Use seeds to create mosaics, collages, and other artwork.
• Musical instruments: Dry gourds can be used to make musical instruments.
• Food: Cure and eat seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
• Math and spelling: Use seeds to teach math concepts and spelling patterns.

The Importance of Teaching Kids Where Food Comes From

In an era of processed foods and grocery store convenience, it’s more important than ever to teach kids where their food comes from. Seed saving is a tangible way to show children the journey from seed to plate, fostering a greater appreciation for the food they eat.

Seed Saving as a STEM Lesson

Seed saving incorporates multiple STEM disciplines, making it an ideal educational activity for kids. It teaches them about:

• Biology: Plant anatomy, genetics, and the life cycle of plants.
• Ecology: The role of plants in the ecosystem and the importance of biodiversity.
• Environmental science: Sustainability and the impact of human activities on the environment.

Conclusion

Saving seeds with kids is a rewarding and educational experience that offers countless benefits. From fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world to instilling valuable life lessons, seed saving is an activity that every child should experience. By embracing this simple yet profound practice, we can empower future generations with the knowledge and skills they need to live sustainable and fulfilling lives.

What are Pollinators?

Pollinators are insects and animals that help plants make seeds. They do this by carrying pollen from one flower to another. Without pollinators, many of our favorite fruits, vegetables, and flowers would not exist!

Why are Pollinators Important?

Pollinators are essential for our ecosystem. They help to:

• Produce food for humans and animals
• Support biodiversity
• Keep our planet healthy

What’s Happening to Pollinators?

Unfortunately, pollinators are in decline. This is due to a number of factors, including:

• Habitat loss
• Pesticide use
• Climate change

What Can We Do to Help Pollinators?

There are many things we can do to help pollinators, including:

• Planting pollinator-friendly flowers
• Avoiding the use of pesticides
• Creating habitats for pollinators
• Reducing our carbon footprint

How to Make a Pollinator Garden

One of the best ways to help pollinators is to create a pollinator garden. This is a garden that is designed to attract and support pollinators. Here are some tips for creating a pollinator garden:

• Choose flowers that bloom at different times of the year. This will provide a continuous food source for pollinators.
• Plant flowers in blocks or groups. This will make it easier for pollinators to find them.
• Include a variety of flower shapes and colors. This will attract a wider range of pollinators.
• Avoid using pesticides. Pesticides can harm pollinators.
• Provide water and shelter for pollinators. This will help them to stay healthy and thrive.

Other Ways to Help Pollinators

In addition to creating a pollinator garden, there are other things you can do to help pollinators, such as:

• Leave fallen fruit on the ground. This provides food for butterflies and other pollinators.
• Take cuttings of bee-friendly plants and give them to friends and neighbors. This will help to spread pollinator-friendly plants across your community.
• Look after urban pollinators. Plant flowers in pots and window boxes to provide food and shelter for pollinators in urban areas.
• Nurture a nettle patch. Nettles are a food source for butterfly larvae.
• Support moths. Plant night-blooming flowers to attract moths.
• Join Plantlife’s No Mow May challenge. This challenge encourages people to leave their lawns unmown during the month of May to provide food for pollinators.
• Add blocks of pollinator-friendly flowers to your garden. This will provide a concentrated source of food for pollinators.
• Leave dandelions to flower. Dandelions are a valuable food source for bees in the spring.
• Plant lungwort. Lungwort is a flower that attracts hairy-footed flower bees.
• Create a herb garden. Herbs are a great source of food for pollinators.
• Sow Pollinator Mix meadow seeds. These seeds will create a beautiful and pollinator-friendly meadow in your garden.
• Create habitats for butterflies, moths, and caterpillars. This will provide a place for pollinators to lay their eggs and raise their young.
• Make a cornfield nectar bar. This is a simple way to provide food for pollinators in the summer.

By taking these simple steps, we can all help to protect pollinators and ensure that they continue to play their vital role in our ecosystem.