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Gardening With Kids
By Toronto4Kids
There is nothing that kids love more than to dig in the dirt so why not use those extra little hands to help you in the garden. Children enjoy planting seeds, watching them grow and harvesting what they have grown. The experience can help them to develop a love of nature and gardening.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when gardening with kids:
Do give kids their own space - either their own ceramic pot or containers to grow their favourite plant in, or a dedicated section of the garden.
Do help your kids decorate their garden by putting a fancy border around it - either with stones or by using rock border plants or flowers.
Do start small. Keep your child's section of the garden at a size that is easily manageable.
Do consider starting your seeds indoor. Have kids go to the nursery with you 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost to pick the plant seeds they want to grow. Help kids select plants that germinate quickly and are easy to grow to avoid disappointment. Kids tend to be impatient and waiting for something to sprout in 2 weeks may dampen their interest. Pick plants that have large seeds that can be easily handled by tiny hands. Teach kids to water their plants daily and to keep the soil moist. Growing plants from seeds can be more rewarding with all the effort they will put in.
Do give your kids a choice and take them shopping with you at the nursery. Ask which types of plants, flowers, and vegetables they like. Explain what will work well in your garden and what won't. Do give them (limited) choices so that things don't get out of hand.
Do get kids involved to help prep the garden and soil. For younger kids who enjoy digging in the dirt, this can actually be the most fun part of gardening.
Do consider growing vegetables as an option for younger children. Seeds germinate more quickly and when plants are mature, they can be eaten - a great way to encourage your kids to eat the veggies they have grown. Some popular choices are radishes, zucchini, pumpkins, carrots, lettuce, peas, green beans, herbs and potatoes.
Do make sure your kids take full responsibility for their pot, containers or garden by watering and weeding it regularly. This part may not hold their interest as much! Consider posting a gardening calendar on the fridge to remind them of the schedule.
Do get your kids their own gardening gear! Nothing will motivate your little gardener more than having their own gloves, tools and watering can. And don't forget those brightly coloured rubber boots or Crocs. Knee pads or gardening pads will help protect little knees.
Do enjoy the sense of accomplishment on their little faces when their garden blooms or when they harvest their vegetables! Enjoy!
© Toronto4Kids - May 2008. This article was accurate at the time of its publication, and information is subject to change without notice. This article may not be reproduced in part or in its entirety without the expressed written permission from Toronto4Kids.
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