I am always enamored with the life cycle of plants. I suppose any life cycle is fascinating, but I’m particularly drawn to the world of plants. How in the world can seeds the size of a pen dot grow into something so huge?! It’s mind boggling! How does it “process” the information? And isn’t it technically dead?
My first experience with gardening was when I was about 5 years old. The memory is still vivid in my mind. My grandparents were farmers (on both sides of the family). Having been born and living in Brazil for most of my childhood, I would visit my grandparents every 2-4 years. So, when I was 5, I remember my grandfather asking me if I wanted to pick some vegetables from the ground.
This was exciting stuff! We went out to their backyard/back garden and there they were. Rows of glorious seedlings. He brought me to the first row and he got on his knees. He told me to stoop down and take a close look at the first plant. Then he told me to notice that the top part was green and that there was some red peeking through the dirt.
Then the magic of the life cycle of plants happened right before my 5 year old eyes!
He started pulling on the leaves and up popped this oval shaped, red plant with a tail attached. They were radishes! Then he told me to pull one up. The one I pulled was kind of skinny. He explained that the ones that were bigger would have more red showing on the dirt.
So we pulled up a few more and took them inside. I couldn’t wait to try one! We washed them in the sink and then he chopped them up. First he took the top off, then the tail. Then he sliced them. He sprinkled some salt on them and told me they might be a little zingy.
I loved them! The tangy taste with the balance of the salt was addicting. I was hooked. Ever since then I have always enjoyed radishes.
What could be better than showing children the magical world of the life cycle of plants? Maybe the only thing better is letting them plant it themselves. Digging in the dirt, planting the seed and watching it grow brings so many valuable benefits. Think about buying some seeds and growing something this spring! Even if it’s radishes. 😉