Make your own chia head this holiday season.
It is an easy activity that is fun and creative as well as a delicious treat. You will need a sock, a container with a narrow opening, absorbent material such as cotton balls, a clear plastic bag, a cup, a permanent felt marker, string and chia seeds. Chia seeds are usually available at bulk and alternative grocery stores.
Both black and white chia seeds germinate within a few days. If chia seeds are not available try alfalfa or radish seeds as they are small and germinate quickly. If the end results will be eaten make sure the seeds used are not treated with any chemicals.
Take the sock, place it toe side up and draw a face with permanent markers.
Older participants might want to sew on buttons on for eyes and or the nose.
Open up the sock and stuff it with cotton balls. The stuffing will absorb moisture insuring that the sock remains wet, giving the seeds enough moisture to germinate.
When the head is the desired size, tie the bottom of the sock shut with the sting.
Soak the stuffed sock in warm water until it is saturated. Do not squeeze the sock to remove excess water. If squeezed the absorbent material will become stuck together, and not hold moisture.
Place a tablespoon of seeds per sock in a cup and add enough warm water to cover the seed.
Stir the seed to insure all the seed becomes wet and sticky.
Once the seed starts to form clumps smear it on the sock where hair should grow. Spoons work well for this part of the project as the seed will stick to everything.
Fill the container with a narrow opening full of water and place the sock head on top. The leg part of the sock must hang into the water and work as a wick absorbing moisture to keep the seed moist.
Place a clear bag over the sock and container to create a moist environment, greenhouse effect, for the seeds to germinate.
If the seeds dry out they will not germinate. Make sure that the bag does not touch the seed as it will stop the seed from germinating in that area.
Place the chia head in a warm area of the house and the seeds should germinate within three or four days. Be sure to check the water level in the container and add water when needed. The sock and seed must not become dry.
Once the seeds germinate move the container to a sunny area which will encourage the seeds to grow faster and turn a dark green.
The chia sprouts taste good in salads, sandwiches and on their own.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist that lives near Rocky Mountain House. She can be reached at www.igardencanada.com or your_garden@hotmail.com