Thinking about starting a garden but want to keep it simple? It doesn’t get much easier than the Sprout plantable pencil from Democratech.
Starting a garden can be a daunting task if you’ve never tried it before. That’s why I’m in love with any gardening gadgets and tools that can simplify the process. Normally I don’t go for the “set it and forget it” lifestyle, but when it comes to gardening, I’m all ears.
I’ve always loved a good writing implement. Even though I spent most of my time pounding away on a laptop keyboard, I still brainstorm and make to-do lists on paper, so pens and pencils are necessities. Now I’ve discovered that my favorite pencil can also be a strategic tool for starting a garden (and I don’t just mean in the planning stages)!
The Sprout from Democratech is a plantable pencil. Made out of sustainably grown cedar, the pencil conceals a hollow chamber that contains a water-activated seed capsule. As the pencil is used and sharpened and used again, the stub slowly transforms into a ready-to-plant seed pod. When it comes time for starting a garden, just shove it base-down into some soil. When the base is submerged in soil and watered, its capsule will break down, freeing the seeds!
Sprout comes in many different varieties: basil, calendula, cherry tomato, cilantro, dill, marigold, mint, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Sprout multipacks of herbs and flowers are also available. If you’ve got a house (or perhaps a classroom) full of kids who use pencils all the time, these plantable pencils are the perfect way to demonstrate the concepts of sustainable design, recycling/upcycling, and of course, the joys of starting a garden!
And don’t worry about eating foods that sprout out of a used pencil: the Sprout is 100 percent non-toxic and made right here in America.
Find Sprout around the world at these retailers, or purchase Sprout Pencil Herb Packs for $19.95 on Amazon.
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Images via Democratech