How to Use the KiwiCo Draw & Grow Planter: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids

Quick Answer

To use the KiwiCo Draw & Grow Planter, start by decorating the planter with markers, then plant the seeds in the included soil, water them, and place the planter in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist and watch your seeds sprout within a week. This hands-on kit combines art and science, making it a perfect introduction to plant biology for kids.

The KiwiCo Draw & Grow Planter is an engaging way to introduce kids to the wonders of plant growth while letting their creativity bloom. This kit combines art and science, allowing children to personalize their planter before planting seeds and observing the magic of germination. Whether you're a parent looking for a fun weekend activity or a teacher seeking a classroom project, this guide will walk you through every step.

In this step-by-step guide, we'll cover everything from unboxing and decorating to planting and caring for your seeds. We'll also share tips to ensure success and troubleshoot common issues. By the end, your child will have a thriving mini garden and a deeper understanding of how plants grow.

What's in the Box?

Before you start, unpack the KiwiCo Draw & Grow Planter kit. It typically includes a planter pot, seeds, soil discs, and markers or paint for decoration. Some kits may also come with a watering tray or instructions. Check the contents against the list to ensure nothing is missing.

If you're missing any parts, contact KiwiCo customer service for a replacement. Once everything is accounted for, lay out the materials on a clean, flat surface. This is a great time to explain to your child what each item is for, building anticipation for the activity ahead.

• Tip: Keep the seeds in their packet until you're ready to plant them to avoid losing them.
• Tip: Use a waterproof marker or paint that adheres to the planter's material for best results.

Step 1: Decorate Your Planter

The first step is to let your child's creativity shine. Using the provided markers or paints, decorate the outside of the planter. Encourage them to draw plants, animals, or any design they like. This personalization makes the planter uniquely theirs and increases their attachment to the project.

Make sure the planter is clean and dry before decorating. If using paint, allow it to dry completely before proceeding. This step is not only fun but also helps develop fine motor skills and artistic expression.

• Tip: If the planter is made of a non-porous material, use oil-based markers for better adhesion.
• Tip: Place a newspaper under the planter to protect your work surface.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

The kit includes soil discs that expand when water is added. Place the discs in a bowl or directly in the planter, then add water gradually. Watch as they expand into fluffy soil. This is a fascinating process for kids to observe, teaching them about absorption and volume.

Once the soil is fully expanded, fluff it with a fork or your fingers to break up any clumps. Fill the planter with the soil, leaving about an inch of space from the top. This ensures there's room for watering without overflow.

• Tip: Use room-temperature water to help the discs expand faster.
• Tip: If the soil is too wet, let it drain for a few minutes before planting.

Step 3: Plant the Seeds

Now for the main event: planting the seeds. Check the seed packet for specific depth and spacing instructions. Typically, you'll make small holes in the soil with your finger or a pencil, drop in 2-3 seeds per hole, and cover them lightly with soil. Space the holes evenly to give each plant room to grow.

This step teaches kids about the importance of planting depth and spacing for plant health. It's also a great opportunity to discuss what seeds need to germinate: water, warmth, and light.

• Tip: Label each hole with a small stick or marker to track where you planted.
• Tip: If the seeds are tiny, use tweezers to place them precisely.

Step 4: Water and Place in Sunlight

After planting, water the soil gently. Use a spray bottle or a small watering can with a fine rose to avoid disturbing the seeds. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Place the planter in a sunny location, such as a windowsill, where it will receive at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily.

Monitor the soil moisture daily. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can cause seeds to rot, so it's better to keep the soil slightly dry than too wet. This is a key lesson in plant care.

• Tip: Use a spray bottle for gentle watering, especially for young seedlings.
• Tip: Rotate the planter every few days to ensure even growth.

Step 5: Watch and Track Growth

Within 5-10 days, you should see sprouts emerging. This is an exciting moment for kids! Encourage them to observe the plants daily and record changes in a journal. They can draw the seedlings, measure their height, and note how many leaves appear.

This ongoing observation turns the activity into a long-term science project. Discuss the plant life cycle, photosynthesis, and what plants need to thrive. You can also compare the growth of different seeds if you planted multiple types.

• Tip: Use a ruler to measure the height of the seedlings and create a growth chart.
• Tip: Take photos daily to create a time-lapse video of the growth.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Unbox and prepare: Unpack the kit, check all components, and lay them out. Ensure the planter is clean and dry. Checkpoint: All parts present and ready.
2. Decorate the planter: Use markers or paints to personalize the planter. Let it dry completely. Checkpoint: Design is dry and planter is ready for soil.
3. Expand the soil discs: Add water to the soil discs and wait for them to expand. Fluff the soil and fill the planter, leaving space at the top. Checkpoint: Soil is moist and level.
4. Plant the seeds: Make small holes, place seeds, and cover lightly with soil. Follow the packet for depth and spacing. Checkpoint: Seeds are planted at correct depth.
5. Water and place in sunlight: Water gently with a spray bottle. Place the planter in a sunny spot and maintain moisture. Checkpoint: Soil is damp but not soggy.
6. Monitor and record growth: Observe daily, water when needed, and track growth in a journal or with photos. Checkpoint: Sprouts appear within 5-10 days.

Related KiwiCo Products

• Levitating Lantern: Balance tension and gravity to make an 'impossible' floating lamp! Build a lantern that floats above its base with the help of tension and rubber bands. Learn the science behind how it floats and engineer an electric circuit to make the lamp glow. This kit complements the Draw & Grow Planter by offering another hands-on science project that explores physics and engineering, perfect for kids who love experimenting.
• Veterinarian Starter Kit: Give your little animal lover the tools to care for their favorite stuffed pets with the Veterinarian Starter Kit. This hands-on set encourages imaginative play and early learning about pet care. Pair this with the planter to create a nature-themed play session where kids can care for both plants and pretend animals, enhancing their empathy and responsibility.

The KiwiCo Draw & Grow Planter is a delightful way to combine art and science for kids. By following these steps, you'll not only grow a beautiful plant but also nurture your child's curiosity and love for learning. For more hands-on science kits, check out the Levitating Lantern, which offers another exciting engineering challenge.