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Description

Planting sunflowers in biodegradable or reused pots is a fun and educational activity that teaches Scouts about nature, responsibility, and the importance of environmental sustainability.
Sunflowers are bright and cheerful plants that can grow very tall, making them exciting for young Scouts to watch as they grow. Using biodegradable or reused pots adds an important lesson about caring for our planet by reducing waste.

Resources

Biodegradable pots (e.g., paper pots) or washed pots from previous sowings (10cm)
Sunflower seeds (choose a variety suitable for pots, dwarf varieties like "Choco Sun" or "Sunny Smile" will grow up to about 50cm but giant varieties can grow up to 3m! So choose carefully.)
Multipurpose compost (peat free is preferable)
Small watering can or spray bottle
Protective gloves (optional for those with sensitive skin or allergies)
Labels/stickers/wooden markers
Clean, clear used plastic bags or clingfilm.

Instructions

Preparation: Gather all your materials. Make sure each Scout has a pot, a couple sunflower seeds, compost, and access to water.
Decorating the Pots (Optional): Before planting, Scouts can personalize their pots with labels or markers. This is a great moment for creativity and making the project more engaging.

Planting the Seeds:
a. Fill the pot with potting compost, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
b. Place 1-2 seeds into the compost. This increases the chances of germination.
c. Cover the seeds gently with no more than 1cm compost and water lightly. The compost should be moist but not waterlogged.

Caring for the Sunflowers:
a. Place the pots in a sunny spot. Sunflowers love sunlight and need about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
b. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering to prevent mold and root rot.
c. As the sunflowers grow, Scouts can observe and record their growth, learning valuable lessons about plant care and development.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Soil and Water Mess: Potting soil and water can get messy. Mitigate by laying down newspaper or plastic sheets where the activity is conducted. Ensure Scouts wear old clothes that can get dirty.
Allergic Reactions: Some Scouts might have allergies to pollen, soil, or seeds. Mitigate by having protective gloves available and keeping a first aid kit handy. Inform parents about the activity in advance and ask about any known allergies.
Overwatering and Underwatering: Teach Scouts the right way to water plants—too little or too much water can harm the plants. Demonstrating the correct method and monitoring the watering process can mitigate this risk.
Sun Exposure: While sunflowers need lots of sunlight, prolonged exposure can be harmful to Scouts. Mitigate by conducting the initial planting and pot decorating indoors or in a shaded area. Use sunscreen and hats for outdoor activities.

Tags

• garden
• gardening
• Plant
• sunflower

Badge Links

• Gardener - Growing plants
• Let It Grow - Grow
• World - Gardening