Why we care for plants

Plants give us food, shade and clean air. When we care for plants we help our community and nature. You can care for plants at home, at school or in your village.

Easy steps to care for plants

1. Plant the right seed for the place (vegetables like sukuma wiki, spinach, maize, beans; fruits like mango and pawpaw).
2. Give the plant enough water. Water in the morning or late afternoon.
3. Give the plant sunlight. Most plants need 4–6 hours of sun each day.
4. Keep the soil soft and free of weeds. Remove small weeds so plants can grow.
5. Give compost or manure so the plant gets food from the soil.

How much to water?

• Seedlings (baby plants): water a little every day or every other day.
• Bigger plants and trees: water deeply once or twice a week when it is dry.
• During rainy seasons (long rains Mar–May, short rains Oct–Dec) water less.

Make simple compost

Compost feeds the soil. Use kitchen peelings (vegetable and fruit peel), dry leaves and small grass. Put them in a small pile or a bucket. Turn the pile once a week. In a few weeks you will have dark soil food to mix into your garden.

Protect plants from pests

Check leaves for holes or strange bugs. Ask an adult to help remove big pests. You can also use natural methods:

• Spray water with a little soap to get rid of some insects (ask an adult).
• Use neem leaves if you have them — they help keep insects away.

Use recycled pots (fun and cheap)

Save plastic bottles, old buckets or jerrycans. Clean them, make small holes for drainage and plant seedlings. This helps the environment and saves money.

Activity: Watch a bean grow

You will need: a clear plastic cup, cotton wool or tissue, 1 bean seed, water.

1. Put the cotton wool in the cup.
2. Put the bean on the side so you can see it through the cup.
3. Keep the cotton wet (not too much) and place the cup on a window ledge with sun.
4. Watch every day. Draw or write what happens on day 1, 3, 5, 7.

Do and don't (quick)

Simple plant diary (use at school or home)

Tick each day the things you did:

• Watered the plant
• Removed weeds
• Looked for bugs
• Put compost
• Took a photo or drew the plant

Words to remember

Seed — the baby plant.
Seedling — a young plant.
Soil — the ground that holds the plant and gives minerals.
Compost — old plants and kitchen waste that become soil food.
Watering can — a tool to pour water gently.

Have fun and be patient — plants grow slowly. Your care helps Kenya stay green!