Want to grow a Christmas tree this year? You can—with a sponge and a little bit of science magic! This fun experiment combines plant growth and creative play to give you a mini tree you can water, watch sprout, and even trim. It’s a perfect holiday activity for little botanists and future gardeners.

WHAT YOU NEED

  • Grass seeds or any fast-sprouting seeds
  • A sponge (cut into a Christmas tree shape)
  • A spray bottle filled with water
  • A tray or shallow dish

GROW YOUR TREE

  1. Shape Your Sponge
    Start by cutting a sponge into the shape of a Christmas tree. You can make it as simple or detailed as you like—this is your tree, after all!
  2. Soak the Sponge
    Dunk your sponge in water until it’s fully soaked, then place it on your tray or dish.
  3. Add the Seeds
    Sprinkle grass seeds all over the surface of your sponge. Make sure you cover it completely—this will be the “leaves” of your tree!
  4. Keep It Wet
    Use your spray bottle to mist the seeds until they’re damp. You’ll need to spray your sponge every day to keep it moist. You can also pour a little extra water into the tray to keep things hydrated.
  5. Watch It Grow
    In about two weeks, you’ll start to see sprouts popping up. Some blades of grass might grow faster than others, so be patient and keep watering.
  6. Time for a Trim
    After three to four weeks, your Christmas tree sponge will be full and bushy—perfect for a haircut! Use kid-safe scissors to trim the grass into a neat shape. Want a traditional pointy top? A flat-top tree? It’s all up to you!

THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT

Your sponge works like soil, holding water and seeds in place so they can sprout. Seeds need water, light, and a place to grow roots—and your sponge provides everything they need! As the seeds grow, you’ll notice that the roots cling to the sponge, just like they would to dirt. It’s a hands-on way to learn how plants grow and thrive.

Ready to grow your own mini Christmas tree? Get started now and enjoy watching your tree sprout during the holidays!