Because there is nothing like seeing something grow and flourish indoors to ward off the late winter blues when it's supposed to be spring — no more threats of snow DC! — this year I decided not to wait on Mother Nature to watch the grass grow. Instead, I brought the fast-growing, easy-maintenance fresh dose of green indoors to great effect — even for a black-thumb like myself.

Potted grass makes a great alternative to flowering centerpieces and arrangements — and it will last for weeks or even months.

MATERIALS
• Grass seed (refer to step 2 for more information on selecting the right type)
• Container
• Spritzing / misting bottle
• Soil (top soil or potting soil will do the trick)
• gravel or pebbles

HOW TO
• 1. Find a suitable container. I chose a slightly shallow rectangular galvanized metal one because I wanted there to be a strong visual contrast between the container and grass, but almost any container will do the trick.
• 2. Select the appropriate type of grass seed. There are few spots in our house that get direct sunlight for more than a few hours at a time, and I wanted to grow mine on my mantel rather than having to move it around the house each day, so I chose a mostly shade mix. There are tons of varieties, so choose one that fits your home's strengths. Rye and Wheat grasses are popular choices for potted arrangements for their thicker blades, but I've found that thinner blades of regular grass seed can look just as cool.
• 3. Layer the bottom of the container with about a ½-1 inch of gravel or small pebbles to assist with water drainage. (My container didn't have drainage holes, so this was especially key).
• Cover the pebbles with a couple of inches of soil. I used a combination of top soil and regular dirt.
• 4. Sprinkle the soil with grass seeds.
• 5. Press the seeds slightly into the soil.
• 6. Sprinkle the seeds with water or mist until the soil is very slightly damp.
• 7. Place in your desired location.
• 8. Mist the seeds every other day. You should start to see growth within a week, or in some cases within a couple of days.
• 9. After blades are an inch or so in height, water lightly and evenly every few days. I've had the best results by watering until the soil is damp but no water is sitting above the soil line.
• 10. Depending on your desired look, trim the tops of the blades with scissors as needed. This step is optional, and depends on whether you prefer a natural free form tuft or something clean cut. Some blades will grow more quickly than others, and trimming will help to keep a clean/non-scraggly look.
• 11. Enjoy! With weekly maintenance your grass could last anywhere from several weeks to several months.

Images: Leah Moss

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