Turn wet days into bonding time with fun, garden-inspired DIYs for the whole family.
Rainy days in the tropics usually mean canceled plans, muddy shoes, and kids bouncing off the walls. But for us plantitas? It’s the perfect time to stay indoors, get creative, and pass on the joy of gardening — even without stepping outside.
If you’re looking for ways to keep the little ones busy and spark their love for plants, here are some fun, easy, and meaningful indoor garden crafts you can do together. Bonus? They’ll get their hands dirty — in the best way possible!
🌱 1. DIY Self-Watering Planters from Recycled Bottles
Teach them sustainability while building a cool plant project.
You’ll need:
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1-liter plastic bottles
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Scissors
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Yarn or cloth strip (for the wick)
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Potting mix
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Seeds (herbs like basil, arugula, or pechay work great!)
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Markers, stickers, paint for decorating
How-to:
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Cut the bottle in half.
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Flip the top part upside down to make a funnel.
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Drill several holes through the bottom part of the upside-down funnel to allow drainage.
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Drill more holes into the cap– option to insert a wick cloth.
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Fill the top part (upside down funnel) with potting mix.
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Fill the bottom with water, and nest the funnel inside.
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Drop in your seeds and watch them grow in the next few days.
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Decorate and label each planter with your kid’s name!
🌟 Lesson: Plants drink when they’re thirsty — just like us!
🎨 2. Painted Pot Personalities
Let their imaginations run wild and give each plant its own personality!
You’ll need:
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Small terracotta or plastic pots
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Colorful chalk paints or paint pens or kiddie art kit
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Googly eyes, yarn, felt (optional)
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Old t-shirts or newspaper to protect your table
How-to:
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Clean the pots and let your kids paint faces, animals, or whatever they like.
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Once dry, plant small succulents, herbs, or microgreens.
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Give each plant a name and let your child “take care” of it like a pet.
🌟 Lesson: Plants are living things that need love and care — just like friends and family.
🌿 3. Eggshell Seed Starters
A simple project that teaches new beginnings — and how powerful small things can be.
You’ll need:
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Used eggshell (try to keep the eggshell intact)
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Egg carton
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Potting mix
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Seeds (lettuce, basil, or tomato)
- Optional: Non-toxic water-based or acrylic paint set with brush
How-to:
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Rinse and dry the eggshells, then place them back in the carton.
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Fill with potting mix and drop in a few seeds.
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Keep them near a bright window and water lightly.
🌟 Lesson: Even the tiniest “pots” can grow something big!
🖐️ 4. Plant Prints & Leaf Stamping
Combine art and nature with beautiful plant-themed prints.
You’ll need:
How-to:
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Paint one side of a leaf and press it gently on paper.
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Lift and admire the leafy imprint!
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Use the prints as homemade gift wrap or wall art.
🌟 Lesson: Nature leaves its mark — and so can we.
💡 5. Garden Story Time + Grow-Along Journal
Create a quiet moment to read, reflect, and dream together.
You’ll need:
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A garden-themed children’s book (like “The Tiny Seed” by Eric Carle or “Lola Plants a Garden” by Anna McQuinn)
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Notebooks or blank paper
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Crayons or colored pencils
How-to:
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Read the story together, then ask: “What plant would you grow if you had your own garden?”
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Let them draw or write about it in their “Grow-Along Journal.”
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Add pages every time you do a garden activity.
🌟 Lesson: Our ideas, like seeds, grow when we give them time and attention.
☕ Wrap-Up: From Rain Clouds to Growing Moments
Rainy days don’t have to be boring — they can be beautiful bonding days filled with creativity, laughter, and little lessons in growth. Gardening isn’t just an outdoor activity — it’s a mindset we can nurture indoors, especially when we’re with the ones we love most.
So the next time the skies pour and the kids ask, “What can we do today?” — bring out the pots, paints, and seeds. Who knows? You might just inspire the next generation of plantitas and plantitos in training. 🌧️🌿
Have your kids tried any indoor gardening crafts? Share their creations or tag me @UrbanGardeningMom — I’d love to feature their green masterpieces! 💚
