What To Know
- To protect your jelly bean garden, consider covering it with a net or placing it in a raised bed.
- Planting jelly beans is a fun and creative way to add a touch of whimsy to your garden.
- Whether you enjoy the colorful display or choose to harvest the jelly beans for decorative use, this unique gardening project is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Jelly beans, those colorful, sugary treats that bring joy to taste buds, can also bring beauty to your garden. While they may not produce edible fruit, planting jelly beans can create a whimsical and eye-catching display that will add a touch of sweetness to your outdoor space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you embark on this unique gardening adventure:
1. Choosing the Right Jelly Beans
Not all jelly beans are created equal when it comes to planting. Opt for nonpareils, the tiny, brightly colored jelly beans commonly used for cake decorations. Their small size and hard candy shell make them ideal for planting. Avoid jelly beans with soft centers or coatings, as they may not hold up well in the soil.
2. Preparing the Soil
Jelly beans thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight, as this will help the jelly beans “grow.” To improve soil drainage, consider adding perlite or vermiculite to the soil.
3. Planting the Jelly Beans
Now comes the fun part! Dig small holes in the soil, about 1 inch deep and spaced a few inches apart. Carefully place a jelly bean in each hole, making sure it is completely covered with soil. Water the jelly beans gently to help them settle into the soil.
4. Watering and Care
Jelly beans don’t require much water, so water them sparingly. Overwatering can cause the jelly beans to dissolve or rot. Instead, aim to keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Fertilizing is not necessary, as the jelly beans will not produce any edible fruit.
5. Protecting the Jelly Beans
Jelly beans are a tempting treat for birds, squirrels, and other critters. To protect your jelly bean garden, consider covering it with a net or placing it in a raised bed. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper around the jelly beans to deter animals.
6. Enjoying the Jelly Bean Garden
As the jelly beans settle into the soil, they will gradually absorb moisture and begin to expand. Over time, they will take on a unique, crystallized appearance that resembles tiny gemstones. The jelly bean garden will reach its peak beauty within a few weeks and will continue to provide visual interest throughout the growing season.
7. Harvesting the Jelly Beans (Optional)
While jelly beans are not meant to be consumed after planting, some people enjoy harvesting them and using them for decorative purposes. To harvest the jelly beans, carefully dig them up from the soil. Rinse them off and allow them to dry completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Sweet Ending: A Touch of Whimsy in Your Garden
Planting jelly beans is a fun and creative way to add a touch of whimsy to your garden. Whether you enjoy the colorful display or choose to harvest the jelly beans for decorative use, this unique gardening project is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Can I plant any type of jelly bean?
It’s best to use nonpareils, the tiny, brightly colored jelly beans commonly used for cake decorations. Avoid jelly beans with soft centers or coatings, as they may not hold up well in the soil.
2. How long does it take for jelly beans to “grow”?
The jelly beans will gradually absorb moisture and expand over time. The jelly bean garden will reach its peak beauty within a few weeks and will continue to provide visual interest throughout the growing season.
3. Do jelly beans need to be fertilized?
No, fertilizing is not necessary, as the jelly beans will not produce any edible fruit.
4. Can I eat the jelly beans after planting them?
While jelly beans are not meant to be consumed after planting, some people enjoy harvesting them and using them for decorative purposes. However, it’s important to note that the jelly beans may have absorbed moisture and dirt, making them unsafe to eat.
5. How can I protect the jelly bean garden from animals?
Consider covering it with a net or placing it in a raised bed. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper around the jelly beans to deter animals.
