Educators, have you tried growing corn with the children in your care? Growing corn in your child care will be an exciting and rewarding experience for you and the children. It’s a wonderful way to introduce the children to gardening, the wonders of nature, the science behind plant growth, and how to grow their food. Let me share our journey and encourage you to try this fun project with your children.
Start your corn, beans or peas in a jar then take to the garden in a couple weeks.
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Step 1: Corn Science in a Jar
We began our corn-growing adventure with a simple science experiment. The children planted corn seeds in a clear jar. He e’s how you can do it:
- Gather Materials: You’ll need clear jars, paper towels, water, and corn seeds.
- Prepare the Jar: Dampen a few paper towels and line the inside of the jar with them.
- Plant the Seeds: Place a few corn seeds between the paper towels and the side of the jar. A clear jar allows the children to see the seeds as they sprout and grow.
- Water Regularly: Keep the paper towels moist but not soaking wet.
corn seedlings in a clearn jar
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Step 2: Watching the Seeds Grow
Over the next few weeks, we watched our seeds sprout and grow into small plants. The children observed the roots and shoots developing. We regularly checked on the corns.
- Monitor Growth: We checked the jars daily to see how much the plants had grown. We also kept the jars moist.
- Discuss the Process: Talk about what plants need to grow—light, water, and nutrients.
- Record Observations: Have the children draw pictures or write about the changes they noticed.
children transplanting corn seedlings
Step 3: Transplanting to the Garden
Some of the corn also looked like mold was starting to develop, so please be vigilant and ensure the jar gets enough sunlight or lamplight. Once our corn plants had grown strong and tall in their jars, it was time to move them outdoors to the garden. This is how we did it:
- Choose a Sunny Spot: Corn needs plenty of sunlight to grow, so pick a sunny spot in your garden.
- Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is loose and nutrient-rich. You can add compost to improve the soil quality. I had a load of compost delivered to our home, so I added it to the garden. I also made a little mount for the corns and added the transplants.
- Transplant the Corn: Carefully remove the plants from the jars, trying not to damage the roots, and plant them in the garden.
You can also plant corn directly in your garden and forego the science project. We planted additional corn, and my older teenagers added three to four corn per mound. In our small raised bed, we have three different mounds of corn growing, including the ones from the science project.
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children preparing a raised bed garden
Step 4: Caring for Your Corn
Now that our corn plants are in the garden, we continue to take care of them by:
- Watering: Ensure the plants get enough water, especially during dry periods.
- Weeding: Keep the area around the corn plants free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
how the corns are growing in June
The Joy of Harvest
Our corn plants are growing strong, and we can’t wait to harvest the corn later this season. This project has been an awe-inspiring and creative way to blend hands-on learning with nature in our classroom. The children water the garden and take care of the plants. They are learning about plant life cycles, responsibility, and the rewards of gardening.
Have fun gardening!
Indoor science with seeds
Conclusion: Get Outdoors and Start Gardening Today!
Gardening is a powerful tool for learning about the food we eat. In this process, children engage in hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, patience, and a love for nature. Your children will ask many questions, they will be intrigued, and above all, you can joyously learn outdoors this summer. It is truly rewarding and an excellent way to break the monotony of indoor activities.
I encourage you to take your first step toward outdoor gardening with your little ones. Start small, just like we did with our corn science project, and watch as your child care transforms into a thriving, green learning space. Not only will you be teaching important practical life skills, but you’ll also be creating beautiful memories for the children in your care.
To help you get started, I’ve created a special resource just for you!
Download my FREE Guide to Gardening with Kids – packed with easy-to-follow steps, fun activities, and tips to ensure your gardening project is successful. Click the link below to get your guide and start your gardening adventure today!
[Download Your Free Guide to Gardening with Kids]
Let’s make learning fun and inspiring for our little ones. Get outside, get your hands dirty, and watch your garden and your children grow and flourish!
Until next time, I am your educator walking alongside you.
Xoxo Miss Sue
