Grow & Tell: Easy Earth Day Gardening Project for Kids & Families

Looking for a simple, meaningful Earth Day activity for kids? Planting vegetable seeds in recycled containers is a fun, hands-on way to get the whole family growing—while also learning how to reuse everyday materials.

April is the perfect time to start seeds indoors in Iowa, giving young plants a strong start before moving them outside in May. Even better, kids get to experience the full life cycle—from seed to sprout to garden harvest.

Why Start Seeds Indoors in April?

In central Iowa, the last frost usually falls between late April and early May. Starting seeds indoors in early to mid-April gives warm-season vegetables—like tomatoes and peppers—a healthy head start while temperatures are still unpredictable.

Indoor seed starting also creates a great opportunity for kids to observe growth up close and stay engaged in the process.

Easy Recycled Containers to Use

You don’t need fancy supplies – just look around your home. Any container that is clean, food-safe, and has drainage holes can work.

Try using:

• Paper or cardboard egg cartons – biodegradable and plantable
• Yogurt or pudding cups – sturdy and easy to reuse
• Berry or salad clamshells – act as mini greenhouses with built-in lids
• Toilet paper rolls – compostable and perfect for small seedlings
• Plastic takeout containers or shoeboxes – great as trays to hold the smaller pots

Turn it into an activity: invite kids to go on an “Earth Day container hunt” to find reuseable planting options around the house.

Simple Kid‑Friendly Setup

1. Clean And Prep Containers

• Wash containers with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
• Adults can poke drainage holes in the bottom.
• Let kids decorate containers with markers or stickers and create plant labels using popsicle sticks or recycled cardboard.

2. Add Soil

• Use a seed‑starting mix or light potting soil.
• Moisten it first so it feels like a wrung‑out sponge – not muddy.
• Fill containers nearly to the top and gently press the soil down.

3. Plant The Seeds
Great beginner vegetables for kids include:

• Leafy greens: lettuce, spinach, kale
• Herbs: basil, parsley, chives
• Warm-season crops: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini

Easy planting steps:

• Make a small hole (about ½-1 cm deep)
• Drop in 2–3 seeds
• Cover lightly with soil
• Gently water or mist

4. Create a Mini Greenhouse

• Place containers in a tray and cover with a clear lid, plastic wrap, or a clamshell top to trap warmth and moisture.
• Set near a bright window (south or west facing works best) but avoid intense midday sun that can overheat seedlings.
• Kids will love watching for condensation (“rain”) and spotting the first green sprouts.

5. Daily Care (Kid Jobs!)
Give kids simple responsibilities to keep them engaged:

• Light: 12–14 hours of light daily (use a lamp if needed)
• Water: Check soil – if dry, water gently at the base
• Air: Remove the lid once seeds sprout to prevent mold

Turn it into a mini science project – track growth, draw observations, or measure plant height over time.

When to Move Plants Outside

Cool‑Season Crops (Lettuce, spinach, kale)

• Begin hardening off in late April
• Plant outside once severe frost risk passes

Warm-Season Crops (Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini)

• Harden off in early to mid-May
• Plant outdoors after all frost danger is gone

Hardening Off with Kids

• Days 1-2: Place outside in shade for 1-2 hours
• Days 3-5: Gradually increase sun and time outdoors
• Days 6-7: Leave out most of the day (and overnight if mild)

When transplanting, kids can:

• Plant biodegradable containers directly in the soil
• Gently remove plants from plastic containers, holding the base of the stem

Earth Day Reflection Ideas for Families

Make the experience even more meaningful:

• Talk about how reusing containers reduces waste and saves resources
• Ask kids what other items could be reused in the garden
• Create handmade signs like Happy Earth Day, We Reuse & Grow, or Our Family Garden

Celebrate Earth Day at the Botanical Garden

Join us for a special Earth Day celebration at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

Saturday, April 18 | 9 AM-4 PM
FREE admission for all!

Enjoy family-friendly activities, explore indoor and outdoor gardens (weather permitting), and connect with community partners while celebrating the important relationship between people, plants, and the natural world.

Learn more about the day here.

Watch this “How To” video to see some of these techniques for yourself.