Get Growing With Stop & Shop’s New Grow & Learn Seed Pods

Growing your own vegetables and herbs can be a fun and rewarding hobby for anyone with a green thumb. But for beginners, it can also seem a bit daunting to get started. That’s why Stop & Shop has debuted an exciting new program called Grow & Learn to help introduce gardening newbies especially kids to the joys of planting. Keep reading to learn all about these innovative seed pods that make it easy for anyone to start growing!

An Overview of the Grow & Learn Program

The Grow & Learn program provides free seed pods and activity books to Stop & Shop customers starting this month while supplies last. The seed pods contain 20 different varieties of quick-growing vegetables and herbs, including tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, radishes, basil, cilantro, and more. These pods make starting a garden super simple – just add water and sunlight!

The activity booklets contain useful tips and tricks for getting started, as well as fun educational activities for kids to help them learn about gardening. From planting instructions to word searches and coloring pages, these books will engage little green thumbs and get them excited about growing their own food.

Why Grow & Learn Seed Pods Are Great For Beginners

For new gardeners who feel overwhelmed with all the options and decisions involved in planting a vegetable garden, these seed pods take a lot of the guesswork out of the process You don’t have to decide which seeds to buy or try to figure out proper planting techniques The seed varieties are pre-selected in the pods, and the activity books provide clear instructions tailored for children on how to get growing.

The pods are also designed to be super simple to use. Just add water and place the pods in a sunny spot, either indoors or outdoors. Many of the veggies and herbs will sprout quickly, offering gratification for young gardeners. Plus, the self-contained pods eliminate messy loose soil and make it easy to transfer seedlings once they’ve sprouted.

Educational Benefits of the Activity Booklets

Getting kids interested in gardening and growing their own food provides so many developmental benefits beyond just learning where vegetables come from. The Grow & Learn activity booklets tap into multiple facets of learning to create a well-rounded educational experience:

• Science: Plant biology, soil science, germination process

• STEM skills: Following instructions, critical thinking, observation

• Responsibility: Caring for living things, establishing a routine

• Patience: Understanding growing takes time

• Nutrition: Exposure to new vegetables, inspiring healthy eating habits

• Environmental awareness: Learning about ecosystems, human impact on nature

• Fine motor skills: Coloring, playing games, manipulating seeds/seedlings

The wide range of engaging activities encourages kids to get hands-on while sneaking in lots of learning. Parents will love that Grow & Learn makes it easy to foster their children’s development in multiple areas through gardening.

Fun For The Whole Family

While tailored for kids, Grow & Learn seed pods provide fun for the entire family! Gardening is a rewarding hands-on hobby that brings generations together. Parents and grandparents will enjoy imparting their garden knowledge, and kids will love sharing the thrill of their first successful sprouts.

Other great things about gardening as a family activity include:

• Getting kids outdoors and away from screens

• Fostering responsibility through a continuous caretaking routine

• Promoting healthy eating of fruits and veggies grown together

• Bonding through shared interests and accomplishments

The Grow & Learn program offers families with all experience levels, even total novices, the opportunity to embark on this fulfilling hobby together.

Where to Find Grow & Learn Seed Pods and Booklets

From now until supplies last, Stop & Shop customers can pick up free Grow & Learn seed pods and activity booklets at the floral section of any Stop & Shop location in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.

The pods and books will be available starting on the following dates:

• New York and New Jersey: Now until May 21
• Massachusetts: May 28 – June 11
• Connecticut: May 29 – June 24
• Rhode Island: June 8 – June 15

Quantities are limited, so visit your local Stop & Shop soon to grab your free seed pod kit while they last. Happy growing!

Tips For Using Your Grow & Learn Seed Pod

Once you’ve brought home your Grow & Learn seed pod, follow these simple tips for gardening success:

• Pick a sunny spot. Herbs and vegetables need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive. A sunny windowsill works for indoor gardening.

• Water carefully. Check the soil daily and water when the top inch becomes dry. Don’t over-saturate.

• Watch sprouts emerge. Most seeds should begin germinating in 1-2 weeks. Get ready to transfer sprouts once 2 leaves emerge.

• Transplant with care. Gently tease apart sprout clumps before moving to a pot or garden. Handle seedlings by leaves to avoid stem damage.

• Read planting guides. Refer to the activity book or online guides for each veggie or herb’s specific growing needs.

• Have fun! Get the whole family involved through planting and tending. Make it a rewarding bonding experience.

With a little care and the handy Grow & Learn seed pods, anyone can enjoy a thriving container or garden full of homegrown goodness. For more gardening help, check out the Grow & Learn instructional video from Stop & Shop or read up on the specific needs of your sprouts. Happy growing!