Another fun gardening activity is to grow some pet greens. You can even combine this project with the root viewer project above.

Gather:

1. •   popcorn seeds, untreated wheat, or untreated grass seeds (Note: Avoid seeds that have been treated with fungicides or other pesticides as the residues may harm your pet.)
   

2. •    potting soil
   

3. •   recycled containers with drainage holes in the bottom, clean egg shells or newspaper pots
   

Explore:

Sow seeds or sprouts in small pots filled with potting soil, keeping the different types separated so you can do choice tests later. Water thoroughly at first and then add water as the soil dries out at the surface. Keep records of which plants grow the fastest, and which give you the best crop.

Cats, guinea pigs and gerbils enjoy some fresh greens in their diet. Be careful not to give them too much at first if they aren’t used to having fresh greens. Too much of a new food item can upset their digestive systems.

Do a choice experiment to see what types of greens your pets enjoy the most. Offer your pet(s) small amounts of two or more types of greens at once. Which do they eat first? Which do they finish up? Do they leave any behind? Make sure they always have other types of food available too, so they never go hungry.