The magic plant.

A game much loved by children is that of the "magic plant." Many people will surely remember it from their childhood, when we used a bean, often associated with a fairy tale, to bring this wonder to life. We can consider it magical for adults, too. It is surprising to see how quickly this legume grows from seed in just a few days, making it perfect for an educational activity for children. Since children are naturally impatient, nothing excites them more than watching a plant that grows quickly and shows its fruits right away, without having to wait a long time. The experience of seeing the sprouts appear in just a few days fills children with wonder and joy, encouraging them to continue caring for and observing the miracle of growth.

During the Easter holidays, these small plants are the center of attention, as they are protagonists of the tradition of the "sepulchres," symbolizing the Resurrection. During Holy Thursday, church altars host these seedlings, decorated with white flowers, incense-infused wine, and, above all, wheat sprouts, which represent the passage from the darkness of death to the light of Jesus' Resurrection. Growing the sprouts in the dark gives them varied colors, from white to green, making the arrangements particularly striking.

Let's see how to make them.

Procedure:

1. Take the yogurt container and clean it thoroughly. Make sure there are no food residues and that it is completely dry.
2. Prepare the damp cotton. Wet it slightly with water and wring it out gently so that it is damp but not too wet.
3. Place the damp cotton inside the yogurt container so that it fills the bottom.
4. Take the chosen legumes and distribute them evenly on top of the damp cotton. Press them slightly into the cotton so that they are well secured.
5. Place the container in a bright spot, but not exposed to direct sunlight, and keep the cotton constantly damp. You may need to wet the cotton slightly every day.
6. Observe and follow the germination process of the legumes together with the children. It will be interesting to notice how they grow day by day and how the roots begin to develop in the damp cotton.
7. Once the sprouts have grown sufficiently, they can be transplanted into pots or into the garden to continue their growth.

This simple experiment is a fun and educational way to teach children the concepts of germination and plant growth, and involves them actively in the process!

If you wish to accelerate the growth of the plant, you can resort to creating a small home greenhouse by covering the sprout pot with a piece of perforated transparent plastic wrap.

Gaia Raffaella Di Donato