A recurring activity among our babysitters is to grow with your children. Here's some inspiration that might be nutritious for both parent and nanny.
Growing is fun for young and old alike, and there are plenty of crops that are perfect for children too. For the impatient, sandwich cress is a perfect option as the seeds germinate quickly, allowing you to see a clear development from day to day. It is also perfect for the breakfast sandwich and can be a fun way for kids to get some greens in their diet. The seeds can be bought in most grocery stores and flower shops.
Growing with the kids? Start with cress
Cress is super easy to grow and you don't even need soil to sow the seeds. Simply spread the seeds out tightly on moistened paper towels or cotton wool and place them on a tray. If you use paper towels, you may want to use about three layers of paper to increase the thickness slightly. After the seeds are spread, place the tray in a bright position, preferably by a window. Water the cabbage every day and follow the development until the height of the stem measures about 3 cm and heart-shaped leaves have developed. At this point, the cabbage is ready to be harvested, which is done by cutting off the stems with scissors. It only takes a few days for the cabbage to grow and be ready to eat.
If you want to take it a step further, the perfect craft is to prepare the containers you use to sow your cress. This can be done easily by using an old egg carton or cutting off the bottom of a milk carton to make a dish with low edges. These can be painted and decorated in any design you like, the only limit is your imagination!
