How to Make a Squash Stem Whistle

Every year, squash plants offer great summer treats. Not only can you eat the vegetable and the blossom, you can also make a great whistle. The hollow stems of squash plants offer a fun and quick way to make a unique sounding whistle. Your kids will love this project and you'll get a kick out of the sound this plant can make.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wear gloves and long pants when picking squash stems. Squash plants have tiny prickers that can irritate the skin.

2. Look for squash stems in the garden that are large, long and firm to the touch. A limp stem won't make a good whistle.

3. Cut squash stems close to the ground with a sharp knife.

4. Trim off the large leaf and about 2 inches of the stem. You will be left with a hollow tube that is wider at one end.

5. Cut a slit in the narrow end about 1 inch in length.

6. Put the wide end in your mouth and blow. You'll get a low whistling sound that's a cross between a horn and kazoo.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wash squash stems before letting kids blow their whistles.
• Make sure to scrub the squash stems well to remove the little pickers so as not irritate small mouths.
• Use only the stems that produce leaves. The other stems produce the blossom and then the vegetable and aren't sturdy or large enough to make a good whistle.
• Always have adult supervision when using sharp knives. Let the grownup do the cutting, trimming and slitting. Kids can do the picking, help with the washing and enjoy the fun of the whistle.