Gardening for Children
Starting a small garden with your child or grandchild is an excellent
way for children to learn to learn how to care for the environment
and gain an appreciation for the many birds and insects with whom we
share our gardens. Tending a garden also serves as an introduction to
the changing weather patterns and the seasonal cycles of nature from
planting the seed, harvesting (e.g. eating the vegetables, picking
and drying the flowers or collecting the seed) and then preparing for
the next season. They also learn an important life lesson in
responsibility. If they don't water and nourish the plants they can
die through lack of attention.
If you can, With your child decide what kind of garden your child
would like - butterfly, herb, flower, vegetable etc. To make the
project more fun and real buy child sized gloves, planting tools,
wheelbarrow and watering can.
Sketch a plan for the garden and mark off the area in the garden.
Maybe a flower garden around a playhouse or a small vegetable patch
they can call their own.
Turn the soil breaking up any lumps and condition with organic
compost if necessary.
If you don't have a suitable area of ground use container pots,
planter boxes, or even an old half wine barrel will do.
Children can get interested in gardening from a very young age and
with a little encouragement discover this fun hobby. With very young
children it is easier to grow flowers directly from seed. The roots
on seedlings easily become damaged as they take them from the pots
and transplant into the soil.
Let children choose their own plants and look for easy germinating
types such as Cosmos, Snapdragons or the all time favourite
Sunflowers. Bulbs are also a great favourite amongst young children
but they can be typically impatient waiting for the bulbs to sprout
and grow.
For vegetables - carrots, peas and strawberries tend to be a
favourite as they are easy to grow and great to eat. One study found
that when four-and five-year-olds spent about 30 minutes a week for
eight weeks tending a garden, they were more likely to eat their
vegetables. A challenge for most parents.
Create a garden journal and take photos as the project progresses so
your child will have something to remember over the winter months
until the next season begins
About the Author:
Jill is the owner of Netwrite-Publish Home and Garden. For more home
