Wooden Spoon Garden Markers

It’s time to start thinking about our spring/summer gardens! Before we know it, spring will be here and we’ll be preparing our garden beds for the delicious treats grown by our own hands. Once you’ve decided what you are going to grow, help your little ones make some garden markers out of basic wooden kitchen spoons. It’s really easy, they are functional and they allow children to get involved while expressing some creative freedom. Let’s get started...

Materials Needed
- Wooden Spoons
- Acrylic Paint
- Seed Packets or Seed Catalogs
- White Glue
- Permanent Markers
- Clear Acrylic Spray
- Foam Brush
- Scissors
- Newspaper

Putting It All Together
First, lay some newspaper to help keep the mess to a minimum. Next, gather your wooden spoons and layer them with a coat of acrylic paint using a foam brush; more than one coat may be needed for entire coverage. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Next, find a source for pictures of the plants you intend to plant; seed packets and catalogs are wonderful resources. (Since it’s too early to plant our spring/summer veggie seeds, you may not want to cut your seed packets just yet!) Once you have your pictures cut, trim them so they fit into the “bowl” part of your spoons. Next, glue the pictures into the “bowl” part of the spoons (making sure they are not upside down when the handle of the spoon is placed into the soil) and let the glue dry thoroughly. Continue to coat the picture with a few more thin layers of glue for added coverage. Once the glue has dried, write the name of the plant down the side of the handle using a permanent marker. Finally, seal your project with several light coats of acrylic spray (in a well ventilated area.... adults only!). Let the acrylic spray to dry thoroughly and then store your spoons for later use in your garden!

Have Fun!
Heather W.
Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center