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The Very Hairy Caterpillar | Garden Crafts

The Very Hairy Caterpillar

This soddy creature makes a fun first-time gardening project while bringing a little bit of spring into your home.

Materials

  • 4 cups potting soil
  • 4 tablespoons quick-sprouting grass seed (we used ryegrass seed)
  • Small yogurt container or paper cup
  • Knee-high nylon stocking
  • Colorful ponytail holders
  • Scissors
  • Plastic bag
  • Bobby pin
  • Googly eyes
  • Pipe cleaner
  • Small pom-poms

Instructions

1. Combine the potting soil and grass seed in a large bowl.

The Very Hairy Caterpillar Step 2

2. Cut the bottom from a small yogurt container or paper cup for a funnel, then slide a knee-high nylon stocking over it, as shown.

The Very Hairy Caterpillar Step 3

3. Pour or spoon 3⁄4 to 1 cup of the soil mixture into the stocking, then slide a colorful ponytail holder over the end of the stocking to section off the pocket of soil. Repeat this process to make 5 soil-filled segments. Tie a knot in the top of the stocking and trim away any excess nylon.

4. Submerge the caterpillar in water for 10 minutes, then place it in a plastic bag and let it sit overnight.

The Very Hairy Caterpillar Step 5

5. Remove the bag and loop a semi-straightened bobby pin through the front of the stocking, then glue a googly eye onto each end of the pin. For antennae, cut a pipe cleaner in half, glue a small pom-pom onto one end of each half, and stick them in place.

6. Set your caterpillar on a plate by a sunny window and generously water the whole thing every other day. Your critter should sprout hair in about 4 to 5 days.

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