How to Plant Seeds in Cups

A fun and educational project for children is to plant some vegetable seeds in paper cups and watch them sprout. Seeds that work well for this type of project are radish and green onion seeds. You can also experiment by choosing different types of seeds, and planting each kind in its own cup.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper coffee cup Nail Small rocks or pebbles Potting soil

1. Choose a medium to large paper coffee cup, and punch drain holes in the bottom of the cup using a sharp object, like a nail.

2. Line the bottom of the cup with small rocks or pebbles.

3. Add potting soil to the cup, filling the cup three-quarters full.

4. Insert several seeds into the soil, pushing down about ¼ inch. The depth of the seeds and amount to plant in the cup will vary, depending on the type of seed used. Refer to the seed package for information.

5. Water thoroughly. Do not let the soil get soggy and muddy; the water should drain from the holes.

6. Cover the top of the cup with plastic wrap, creating a greenhouse effect. Use a marker to write the date and the type of seed planted on the outside of each cup.

7. Keep the cup in a warm place out of direct sunlight.