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Encouraging Heroes. You can be one too.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Howdy, Heroes!  I did a super fun project yesterday called the Miracle Gro Toyrarium from The Gro Project.  We were supposed to make terrariums for science class a few months ago, and I will admit to purchasing a kit online because the whole thing seemed…overwhelming to me.  

Not so with the Toyrarium project!  Miracle Gro has created 3 fun garden projects that looked like something I could achieve without losing my mind.  I was able to find the materials easily at local stores (the hardest part was finding small plants!) and the younger boys were pleased to put it together with me.  They also very much enjoyed finding small toys to decorate it.

Here are the steps:

Use a glass bowl (I got a fish bowl from the pet department for $6.99) and put a layer of pebbles on the bottom.  We had pebbles outside in the landscaping that worked fine.  

Fill the bowl about a third full with your soil.  I used Moisture Control Potting Mix which will allow the plants to survive the summer.  In the winter, I am pretty good about watering because we're in that room for lessons. The summer I tend to forget a little more often.  I am counting on the moisture control to help me out.

Put your plants into the bowl and settle them into the soil.  Add more soil as needed to cover the roots.  We ended up with about half the bowl full of soil, but I think it looks okay.

Add some toys to decorate!  The Manager and Captain Earthquake chose a cool toy car, a strange space alien, and a small lizard.  I think they go well with the pink cactus.

I'm a little nervous that my plants are too big, and may have to get more cactus and pull the others out.  But I love the results so far and we'll see what happens.

Did you know that Miracle-Gro has a full library of articles and videos, just perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners to keep a healthy and beautiful garden?  They do!  There are expert gardening tips and online tools to help solve common growing problems.  I was especially pleased to see their Pinterest page.  Such an easy way to get great ideas!  Do follow them for new projects and ideas, as well as share gardening stories.  Most of my stories involve wandering off from the plants and not watering them in July.  Oops. I'm much better with the flowers.  I put in a bunch last fall, and perhaps will try the Shake’n Feed All Purpose Plant Food.  It'll be interesting to see if they thrive in spite of me!

If you're looking for fun gardening ideas to do with your kids, check out the Gro Project.  It's definitely a great way to celebrate outdoor life together.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MCuAcbCSWY&w=560&h=315]

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