Did you ever wonder how a seed becomes a sprout and then something totally different? A tiny seed may grow to be a beautiful flower or yummy food to eat, but it is always something incredible.
Have you ever looked at a dry little lima bean? It looks like a smooth, tiny, sleeping pebble. But wait, here’s a little secret. Inside this bean is a tiny plant waiting for the perfect moment to grow. Yes, it’s still a bit chilly in the (585), but with a little patience and care, you can help that little seed become something truly magical.
Growing a bean is a lot like mindfulness. It takes patience to watch for the smallest of changes. If we slow down, breathe deeply, and then really look at the seed, we will see so much more!
Let’s gather some things you will need before beginning. Make sure to talk to the grown up in your home before starting.
-Lima bean
-Clear plastic bag or a small clear jar
-Wet paper towel
-Journal and colored pencils for keeping track of your bean’s journey
-A magnifying glass if you want to really look closely
Step 1: The Comfy Bean Bed (Calm Mind and Body)
To begin, soak a paper towel in water and tuck your bean inside a clear jar or a plastic bag with the wet towel. Imagine your thoughts quieting down like the seed in its comfy bed, resting up before becoming something great.
Journal time: Take a deep breath and slowly blow it out
-Really look at the seed, the colors and texture.
-Draw what you see—the bean, the bed, even water drops!
Step 2: The Wait (Practicing Patience)
At first you may think that nothing will happen and maybe even want to stop watching. DON’T GIVE UP! It may take a few days for you to notice something. It’s even OK to take a day off from checking in on your seed, but don’t stay away for too long. It’s hard to see the smallest of changes, especially if they are happening inside of the bean. The same is true of you!
Journal time: Belly breathe in, and slowly out
-Look for even the smallest change; is the bean bigger, rounder, smooth, or wrinkly?
-Draw all that you see and then look back in your journal. Do you notice changes?
Step 3: The Seed Sprouts (Slow Down and Notice Small Things)
One day you will notice it! A tiny wrinkle in the seed’s coat! A tiny ROOT will poke out! Look at the shape, the color, and the texture. As you do this, try to only think about the bean and how it is growing. Focus on what is right in front of you. Remember that when we bring our attention to one person or thing, we can learn a lot more. We are being present in the moment.
Journal time: Inhale the warm air around you; slowly exhale out. Maybe silently wish the lima bean happy growing
-Open the bag and breathe in, what does the bean or towel smell like?
-Use colors to make your drawings detailed.
Step 4: Sunlight Stretch (Growing Tall)
By now, you will probably be checking on your bean more frequently, noticing more growing. Soon, leaves will poke out and begin to reach for the window and the Sun. Just like the bean, you are always growing, even when you can’t see it.
Journal time: Inhale and think about growing. Exhale slowly.
-There will be so much to see and smell and feel!
-Go ahead and gently touch the stem, the leaves and the roots.
When the time is right and the sprout is getting too big for the bag or jar, ask someone you trust to help you replant it in soil.
Now that you’ve tried one seed, are you ready to try another? Can you imagine what is happening when seeds are planted in the ground? Have fun and remember to slow down and look closely at all that is around you.
Think of your lima bean. It didn’t grow by all at once. It grew by staying patient, soaking up what it needed, and when the time was right it grew and grew into something spectacular, just like you!
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of (585) Kids.
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