PLANTING SUNFLOWERS 

AND OTHER PRETTY 

CO2-REDUCERS

 

Not everyone has the opportunity to plant trees. Unless you own land or have permission. But you can grow other CO₂ absorbers: fast-growing, one-season plants like sunflowers or corn. Thanks to their large biomass and rapid growth, they absorb a surprising amount of carbon.

Watching them rise from a single seed, and seeing how many tiny insects are drawn to them… it’s just beautiful.

 

In our Eco Club planting sessions, we bring quality seeds, soil from gardeners, and many collected plant pots – just ask around or check the cemetery service station, people often leave empty pots there. Gardeners and second-hand markets can be great budget-friendly sources too. 

 

We’ve put together a packing list for a planting activity – you’ll find it below. We’ve also shared our experiences with digital tools that we’ve combined with a planting session in the Eco Club.
But let’s start with some impressions and insights from our own planting sessions.

 

 

eco club nsv seeds hands hk

Sowing together is a great icebreaker for Eco Club participants, which is why we always start the afternoon with it. 

 

Everyone gets their hands in the soil, and conversations begin right away – about the plants, their needs, and more.

 

 If you’re not experienced with sowing – no worries!

 

Just ask around in your community. Many people do it as a quiet hobby and are happy to share their passion with a group. We also involve farmers and gardeners as experts.

plants eco club projects denkmalladen - Kopie

If you have a larger group (10+ people), participants naturally form teams. Some will take care of the soil station, others handle the seeds or the plant markers.

After sowing, the participants can choose which plant pots they want to take home, and then the group cleans up the space to prepare for part two of the Eco Club afternoon.

plants eco club projects sunflowers

After a month, the tiny plants need much more space. It’s time to prick out the seedlings into individual pots. And if their roots outgrew the pot, you need to repot the plant.

 

Both activities are perfect for Eco Club sessions. The group will discover the development of the roots and gives each plant a own pot. 

Of course, it’s always better to give plants a spot in a garden bed rather than in a pot.

 

The roots will be happy with more space, and the sunflower will grow taller. So maybe your participants will have the opportunity to plant their sunflowers in a garden or in small green spaces – like a garden bed at the local school.

So why do we use plant pots then? Because not everyone has a garden – balconies and windowsills deserve sunflowers too.

We also use the Eco Club plants to decorate community events and as sustainable prizes for raffles. In our experience, people of all ages love winning flowers. And a potted sunflower always makes a wonderful, sustainable gift.

 

Prep & Pack List

for your OWN Eco ClUB

  • SEEDS – organic quality, heirloom varieties
  • SOIL – ideally seed-starting mix; easy to transport using large, sturdy shopping bags
  • USED PLANT POTS 
  • TINY SHOVEL
  • GLOVES to protect your hands while working with soil
  • PLANT MARKERS like small flags or labels
  • WAXED TABLECLOTH for protection and easy cleanup
  • SOWING INSTRUCTIONS – e.g. planting depth, care tips, and location requirements such as sun/shade

 

 

DIGITAL TOOLS

WE USE IN THE ECO CLUB

 

In the second part of the Eco Club afternoon, we explore digital tools – from plant research to creative media, all with a focus on nature and participation. Tools like:

 

MOBILE PLANT RESEARCH

Look up plant facts and images online using your phone or tablet.

 

CHATGPT

Ask for tips on how to sow your seeds — including depth, sunlight needs, duration, and care.

 

PLANT ID APPS

Use plant identification apps to explore the plants around you and learn their names.

 

MESSENGER GROUPS

Share updates on your plant’s growth and blooming process with the group.

 

SMARTPHONE PHOTO WORKSHOP

Use your mobile camera to take creative close-ups of plants and document your planting journey.

 

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LOVELY DECORATION & ICEBREAKER 

FOR PUBLIC EVENTS 

 

Social events haben oft kein budget für einladende decoration. small talk starter mit kräuter tasting table >> Vorstellung Eco Club Idee >> Talks über Wünsche, Interessen

Against Einsamkeit

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