Throughout March, students will have the opportunity to pick up a Herb Garden Sponge Kit. Jamie Beckman, young adult department manager at the library said, “These little kits will allow you to grow different kinds of herbs without soil. All you gotta do is water them each day.”

Throughout March, the Carmel Clay Public Library will offer students in grades 6 to 12 an opportunity to grow their own herb garden out of sponges as this month’s library takeout activity. According to Jame Beckman, young adult department manager at the library, the Library Takeout for Teens program allows teenagers to perform fun hands-on projects from the safety and comfort of their homes every month.

“We’ve ordered a limited amount of kits, so before picking them up students must register one by calling the Young Adult Department at 317-814-3983,” Beckman said. “Once you’ve registered your kit, all you need to do is visit the Merchants’ Square Main Library with a form of photo ID to pick up your Herb Garden in a Sponge takeout kit.”

“I’ve always been interested in gardening and even have cultivated a few plants at my home. I’ve been growing olives, chive and pears for a couple of years now,” sophomore Nathan Dierckman said. “ I actually did not know you could grow herbs and crops from a sponge so it’s pretty cool that the library is offering this program even during the ongoing pandemic.”

“Materials and instructions will come along with the kits and will help guide teenagers through the process of growing herbs, such as basil, without using soil,” Beckman said. “Make sure to check the library’s calendar each month so that you don’t miss out on any other fun takeout activities.”