Rainy Day Fun

Looking for a fun way to beat the rainy day blues? Got kiddos to entertain, or just looking for a little pass-time for yourself? Consider container planting for rainy day fun!  I love picking up little pots and seed kits from time to time. I recently refreshed my stash and want to share some new favourites. Planting small containers not only adds interest to your windowsill, but also gets you gardening in advance of warm weather and is a great way to pass the time. And of course, plants in the home help clean the air that you and your family breath. Check out these adorable options and start growing!

Aloe Garden

Picked up this little gem at Target for under $10.  The Aloe Grow Kit from Buzzy features a tiny galvanised metal tub, growing medium (in the form of a pellet) and about 5 non-GMO aloe seeds. Instructions are included, but the basics are: remove items from package and place the growing medium pellet in the metal container. Add a few tablespoons of warm water to expand and re-hydrate the soil. Once it has expanded to fill the container, space your seeds over the top of the soil and gently press them in place. That’s absolutely it. Wait for the aloe to grown and you’ve got a very cute addition to any kitchen windowsill. Great for treating burns and insect bites and requires little care.

Mint

My second pick for container planting for rainy day fun is this beauty from Bed Bath and Beyond.  I selected a translucent green glass container for growing mint. Full disclosure, I ALWAYS plant mint in my outdoor garden thinking that I will contain and maintain it. I NEVER do and it runs wild. I end up having a huge project on my hands to remove it. This seems to be a perfect compromise: I will still enjoy fresh mint, but I can keep it from wrecking havoc on my outdoor beds and it’s within arm’s reach in the kitchen.

Here’s the skinny: unwrap the packaging and set the basket, wicking string, rocks, growing medium and seeds aside. Fill the glass vase about halfway with water. Draw your wicking string through the bottom of the basket so it will dangle into the water, carrying  moisture to your plant.  Rinse the rocks off and place them in the basket then add your growing medium and add a bit of warm water to expand the pellet. Nestle the basket into the top of the glass vase and scatter the tiny seeds on the surface. A week-ish in a sunny spot and you should see sprouts. I love to see both plant and root development in action.

People Planter

This last selection is a hoot. I found this fun little planter in the shape of a person’s head, filled it with potting mix and planted some of my own seeds. I thought it would be fun to have chives inside for cooking and I amused myself thinking about what this “guy” would look like with spike green hair. It would be fun to use paints and create your own “people planter” if you don’t want to buy one. Then you could customise each and really get crafty. This isn’t the one I chose, but I began shopping a little more and found these cuties on Etsy. Adorable.