Give kids a cactus this half-term, expert suggests

16:00 23rd February 2011

Giving kids a cactus to nurture this half-term could keep them entertained, a gardening expert has suggested.

In an article for the Daily Mail, Martyn Cox revealed children are fascinated by the spiky plants and they are easy to keep in good health.

He went on to reveal that his son and daughter, nine-year-old Louis and five-year-old Lily, both "enjoyed planting up a container each with specimens they hand-picked at a garden centre".

This type of plant comes in many shapes and sizes, Mr Cox continued, and is "virtually indestructible".

Slim-line rectangular containers are fine for these hardy varieties and they do not need drainage holes in the base, he added.

Easy to look after and trouble-free, cacti just need a splash of water every so often to brighten up any windowsill, the expert concluded.

Last month, the same writer suggested evergreen and deciduous shrubs can look their best in the garden in the winter months.