Using Paper Towels to Begin Sprouting Seeds

Sprouting seeds just don’t happen in dirt anymore. You can sprout seeds in a paper towel, in about two to three days, by following some simple instructions. The materials you will need can be found anywhere, and are inexpensive. It does not matter what season it is, you can sprout seeds right now!

Find a dish, a large plastic sandwich bag, and some growing seeds. Call your child in, so he can help prepare the project. Make sure the plate will fit inside the sandwich bag. Purchase a larger bag if it doesn’t fit. If the bag is as large as they come, then get a smaller dish.

Now it’s water time! Kids love to play in the water, so let your child soak the paper towels with water, and wring them out. He’ll probably do this a few times to many, and the paper towels will tear, so have some backups ready just in case. Lay the wet paper in the plate as flat as possible.

Don’t let the seeds touch while spreading them out. Arrange them in a single layer. As long as they are not clumped together, they’re fine. The growing seeds can touch side to side.

After the other paper towel is wet, lay it over the seeds. Your order should now be the plate, then the towel, then the seeds, then the towel. Open the bag, and slide it all in. Do not seal the bag! Store it in a cool dry place near the sunlight for the next two days. You can check it on from time to time. Once they start growing, try to keep the mold off of them. Rinse them and plant them right away. Sprout in a dark place to prevent mold.

Enjoy the moment as your child learns about how things grow. Getting to see sprouting seeds growing under the dirt can be fascinating and educational for any young child. With an easy plan, and basic tools, your toddler will begin to understand the important of science at an early age.