Rainy Day Activities: Creating Plant People With Your Kids

August 01, 2025 Child holding a ball of soil and seeds inside a stocking that will sprout plants that look like hair. This example of "plant people" has two googly eyes on it

Child holding a ball of soil and seeds inside a stocking that will sprout plants that look like hair. This example of "plant people" has two googly eyes on it

Stuck inside on a chilly or wet day? Discover a delightful way to combine gardening magic with creative crafting!

What are Plant People?

Imagine crafting whimsical characters with “hair” that actually grows! By using simple materials like nylon stockings, soil, quick-sprouting grass seed, and a sprinkle of craft supplies, both kids and adults can create these unique figures. This engaging activity fosters imagination and results in a living garden creation that offers lasting enjoyment.

Ready to Grow Your Own Friend?

What You’ll Need:

One leg of a pair of pantyhose
Potting mix
Fast-germinating grass seed
An assortment of craft items for decoration
Craft adhesive (glue or hot glue gun)

Let’s Get Started!

Transform a simple piece of pantyhose, a bit of earth, and some tiny seeds into a fun, growing companion!

1). Snip off a section of pantyhose, about 6 to 8 inches long (any color works!). If it’s an open-ended piece, tie a knot in one end and then flip it inside out to form a small pouch.

2). Spoon approximately 2 to 3 teaspoons of grass seed into the knotted end. Fill the rest of the pouch with potting soil and securely tie the open end. Gently mold the filled hose into a rounded head shape with your hands.

3). Place your newly formed head in a shallow dish, ensuring the grass seed side faces upward. Now, let your creativity shine! Use googly eyes, buttons, pom-poms, felt scraps, and pipe cleaners to create a unique face, adding features like eyes, a nose, and a mouth. You can even add arms! Attach these with craft glue or a glue gun.

4). Once the glue is dry and cool, carefully add water to your Plant Person until the soil is thoroughly moistened. Place the dish in a warm spot. Remember to check the moisture level daily and add water as needed to keep the soil damp (you can even keep a little water in the dish as a reservoir if it dries out quickly). Within 3 to 5 days, you’ll start to see green “hair” sprouting!

5). Once the hair has grown in, feel free to give your Plant Person a trim or let its locks grow wild! If you’re having fun, why not create a whole family of these leafy characters?

This guide is inspired by the resources and educational materials provided by KidsGardening.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting garden-based learning.

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