Thirsty Plant Check
What you need
- a small watering can
- the garden pots, or a row of houseplants indoors
- an outside tap, or a jug to fill up from
How to do it
- Walk round the pots together first and let your child push a finger into the soil of each one. Dry or damp?
- Fill the watering can halfway, so it's light enough to carry, and let them carry it with two hands.
- Water only the dry ones, slowly, at the bottom of the plant rather than over the leaves, counting the pots as you go.
- Refill as many times as it takes, then finish by testing the soil again with a finger.
Why it matters
With the finger test, they decide which plants need a drink instead of watering everything. A half-full can is a heavy, careful carry.
What they're learning
- The finger test
- Dry soil needs water, damp soil doesn't.
- Carrying with care
- Two hands, slow steps.
- Looking after plants
- They need someone to bring the water.
What to look for
Notice them testing the soil before they pour.
A tip
Half full is plenty for little arms. Spilled water makes a patio slippery, so walk on the grass where you can.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: water three pots and skip the soil test
Harder: give big pots two cans and small pots one, and keep count of the cans
