Sandra Kramer contributed this project as a follow-up for many of the other planting features we have published here on Teachnet.Com with the onset of spring. Many of our T2T contributors requested the information below. We hope you will find it as useful as they have!
To grow your own balloon plants:
1. Hold a balloon firmly by the neck. The neck is the long part. Use a funnel, and pour 1/2 cup of dirt into the balloon. Don’t turn the balloon over. (Try to find clear balloons to use.)
2. Keep holding the balloon by the neck. Add about 1/4 cup of water through the funnel. Be sure the soil in the balloon is wet. It shouldn’t be soggy, though.
3. Use the funnel to drop the radish seeds into the balloon. Don’t turn the balloon over.
4. If the balloon is dirty, wipe it carefully with a washcloth.
5. Now you’re ready to blow up your balloon! Keep holding it gently by the neck. Now carefully blow air into the balloon. You need to keep the balloon from tipping.
6. Tie a knot in the neck to keep the air in the balloon. Tie a ribbon around the knot.
7. Tie the balloon to a hook or other place near a window. The neck should be the top.
8. Your balloon plant is ready to begin growing!
Some recent related brainstorms include: The Water Cycle, Gifts That GROW, and Spring Fever.