Planting a plantable pencil is a simple and rewarding way to give your used writing tool a second life as a plant. The tip of the pencil contains seeds embedded in a biodegradable capsule.
Here's how to plant your plantable pencil to watch it grow into a herb, vegetable, or flower, based on the common method and the provided reference:
Getting Started: What You Need
Before you plant, gather a few essentials:
- Your plantable pencil
- A small pot or container with drainage holes
- Potting soil
- Water
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these easy steps to plant your pencil and start its transformation:
- Prepare Your Pot: Fill your pot with potting soil, leaving about an inch or two of space from the top. Gently moisten the soil with water.
- Insert the Pencil: Take your plantable pencil and locate the end with the seed capsule (usually the unsharpened end, or the end opposite the lead). Gently push this end into the soil.
- Determine Depth and Angle: According to the reference, push it up to one inch into the soil. It's also important to make sure to keep it a little bit slanting and not perpendicular. This angle can help make it easier for the seedling to emerge and shed the seed capsule.
- Cover Lightly: Lightly cover the seed capsule tip with a thin layer of soil. The rest of the pencil will stick out of the soil.
- Initial Watering: Water the soil gently but thoroughly to ensure the seeds have enough moisture to start the germination process.
Post-Planting Care
Once planted, consistent care is key for successful germination and growth.
- Sunlight: Keep the pot in sunlight. Most seeds need sunlight to germinate and grow into healthy plants.
- Watering: Water it regularly. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Check the soil surface and water when it feels dry to the touch.
- Patience: Wait for it to germinate. Germination times vary depending on the type of seed in your pencil, but typically range from a few days to a couple of weeks.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the process of growing something new from your used pencil!