2. Children’s Mushroom Garden
Testers Izzy, 9, and Jack, 6, West Village
Objective Twice-daily waterings, a somewhat sunny spot and four weeks’ worth of patience should yield edible mushrooms.
Entertainment value Opening the box was the highlight for Jack and Izzy, who lost interest quickly after discovering that the plant had to “rest” before it could be touched, and that all the water it could imbibe had to be boiled first.
Mess factor Low. The project is self-contained, but you will get a bird’s-eye view of some nasty beige and brown fungi.
Sound bite John, dad of Izzy and Jack: “This project was a valuable lesson in how you can dedicate yourself to something and fail.”
Grade F
Fungi Perfecti, $18; at fungi.com. Ages 5 and up.
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