Grow the Earth: Seed Paper Earth Day Craft for Kids

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Looking for a meaningful Earth Day craft that’s more than just glue and paper? This Grow the Earth seed paper activity is a beautiful hands-on project that teaches kids about recycling, plant growth, and caring for our planet—all in one simple craft.

Kids will turn recycled paper into seed paper, shape it into continents, and then plant their very own “Earth” that actually grows!

What Is Seed Paper?

Seed paper is made from recycled paper that has seeds mixed into it. When planted in soil and watered, the paper breaks down and the seeds begin to grow.

It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to reuse materials and give them new life!

Supplies

• Scrap paper (newspaper, printer paper, junk mail)
• Water
• Blender- Immersion blender works well!
• Bowl for mixing
• Seeds: I used a mix of chia seeds, alfalfa seeds, radish seeds, and Wheatgrass seeds (These are the seeds I use for growing micro greens.) 
• Round pot or container- I used a plant tray
• Soil
• Blue sand, paper, or aquarium gravel
• Food coloring– optional
• Earth templates
• Knife or scissors for cutting around continents

How to Make a Growing Earth

1. Make the paper pulp

Tear paper into small pieces and soak in warm water for about 10–15 minutes. Blend or mash the paper into a soft pulp.

I used my immersion blender. I also added I some green food coloring. Strain out extra water. 

2. Add the seeds

Mix seeds into the pulp. You’ll want a few tablespoons of seeds. I used a mix just for variety, but any quick growing seed will work here.

3. Shape the continents

Press the pulp into small, flat shapes to represent continents. Or press flat and cut around them using my earth print out. 

Set aside to dry in a sunny spot. It does not need to dry completely before using it. I just waited one day since I was planning to plant it right away. 

4. Prepare your “Earth”

Fill a round pot or bowl with soil.

To create an ocean effect, lightly tint the top of the soil with blue sand, gravel or shredded blue paper to represent the oceans of the earth. This is not necessary, but a fun addition! 

5. Build your Earth

Place your dried seed paper continents on top of the soil. Press them gently into the surface. Lightly sprinkle soil over the top. 

6. Water and grow

Lightly mist with water and place in a sunny spot. Watch as your Earth begins to grow within just a few days!

Here is another photo a few days later. 

I just love how it turned out! We had a blast with this one. 

What Kids Learn

This activity combines art, science, and environmental awareness:

• Recycling – turning old paper into something new
• Plant life cycle – seeds growing into plants
• Earth science – land and water on our planet
• Caring for the Earth – small actions make a difference

Tips for Success

• Use thin seed paper for faster growth
• Don’t bury seeds too deep
• Keep soil moist but not soaked
• Place in a warm, sunny window

Seeds will sprout in 1–2 days for quick results!

Make It Even More Meaningful

Talk with your kids about ways to care for the Earth:

• Reduce waste
• Recycle materials
• Plant flowers and trees
• Save water

Variations

• Use wildflower seeds for a colorful garden
• Try different continent designs

This “Grow the Earth” craft is a simple but powerful way to show kids that small actions can make a big difference. By reusing materials and growing new life, they can see firsthand how we can take care of our planet.

And the best part? Their Earth keeps growing even after the craft is finished.

Download the Earth Templates 

See More Earth Day Ideas:

Free Printable Earth Day Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Edible Earth Soil Layers Dirt Cups

Educational Earth Day Activities for Kids (Fun + Hands-On!)

Earth Day Fractions Activity (Printable Math + Geography for Kids)

Oil Spill Clean-Up Experiment (Easy Earth Day STEM Activity for Kids)