Spring Project: Real Easter Basket Grass!
I tried growing my own grass for Easter baskets for the first time a few years ago, and it was so easy and fun to do that it's now a spring tradition for me. Easter is still almost 2 months away but I'm sharing this project now because in order for it to be ready by Easter (or May 1st for a May basket, if you prefer) you'll need to start in the next week or so.
All you'll need is potting soil, any kind of grass seed, and a container to plant it in. You could buy a full bag of grass seed and have extra for patching your actual yard, but if your local garden store sells the seed in bulk, you only need to buy a tiny amount (you'll need less than one square foot of grass coverage per Easter basket.)
Just fill the container with potting soil, pat down firmly, then plant the grass according to the instructions on the seed. Water well and place the container in a warm, sunny window. Keep the soil nice and damp until the grass sprouts, then let the soil get dry - but just barely- between waterings.
I didn't realize how much I would love having a little miniature plot of sod growing on my desk. You can let the grass grow long and wild, but personally I find it therapeutic to trim my grass daily with scissors so that it ends up thick and even-topped like a fresh cut lawn! When it's ready, you can transfer the grass into an Easter basket, or give it in a nice decorative pot. Tuck candy and tiny gifts in among the grass.
Adults love the way it looks. Kids love having a plant to take care of after the holiday is over. Even cats love it! (Cats love it so much, in fact, that you might want to guard your Easter grass from the cat. I've seen an otherwise very sedentary cat run off with an entire chunk of sod in his mouth.) -Brigitte
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Comments
Osmyn Monday, February 15, 2010
I wonder if I could grow enough to give off the fresh-cut-grass smell?
I just got back home to the frozen mid-west from a trip to San Jose where they were mowing! It smelled positively delightful; it really put me in a good mood. I could really use a daily dose of that on my desk.
Janira Monday, February 15, 2010
This is such a sweet idea! I think I'll give it a go this year :) There's something about having a small container of grass on my window sill that makes me smile...
Rob Monday, February 15, 2010
My cat would go insane over this, hahaha
Blargal D. Alien Monday, February 15, 2010
Hello,Brigitte.
I wonder if a chia pet might have a type of foiliage you could use as well?
Shauna Dacus Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Hey Brigitte! Please follow me on twitter! I think that would just be awesome!!!
Please Pleaseeeeee..
Shauna Dacus
Jim Murphy Tuesday, February 16, 2010
558D
Never mind the frozen midwest... How about the frozen mid-Atlantic states! Let's all thank Al Gore for all this global warming!
Of course, I remain in a good mood about Blizzard 2010, because yours truly bought a two-cycle snow blower! ;)
Joe436 Wednesday, February 17, 2010
I've killed three plants in the last 2 years. I wonder if I would do better with grass.
Wendy Robertson Wednesday, February 17, 2010
This is a great idea!
I am going to try it. I am also going to try it out for my cats.
There is special pet grass!
They have never been outside so I dunno'' if they will even know what to do with it. It will be interesting and filled with other treats.