healthykids
Gardening with Kids
by ted Fisher
Whether kids have access to a large yard or only a windowsill planter,
young gardeners’ inborn curiosity encourages them to discover
nature’s cycles firsthand, while learning respect and concern for Earth’s
larger ecology. Gardening not only instills lifelong appreciation for the
beauties of nature, but fun, hands-on activities develop delicious skills
of creativity, self-discipline and even self-sufficiency.
W
hile we can’t run out and raise a rainforest in a day, a childhood head
start on understanding the environment in one’s own garden can seed
a lusher future. A backyard plot of just four by four feet will serve. Be
sure to provide pathways or stepping stones for access, and then plant a rich mix
of flowers and vegetables. If the family doesn’t have access to land, a container
garden on a balcony, patio or deck can produce abundant flowers and vegetables;
often, it makes caring for the garden even simpler.
An important tip: Although a child’s garden of any size may not be as neatly
tended as a parent’s or grandparent’s, give the choicest garden spot to the child.
Lots of sun and good soil will aid in the success that cultivates interest.
To begin, invite one or more youngsters to help prepare the soil, turning over
dirt with a small shovel or trowel. Break up clumps by hand or by stomping on
them. Digging holes is a favorite kids’ pastime.
Next, choose easy-to-grow plants. Select as many different types as will fit
well into the allotted space. Carrots, fast-growing radishes and bite-sized cherry
tomatoes are good vegetable choices.
For flowers, choose some that can be used as cut flowers or as special gifts for
Mom, like zinnias, marigolds, snapdragons or salvia. For a spectacular touch,
also plant a few sunflowers, which not only can tower up to 10 feet tall, but supply
edible seeds.
Include herbs such as basil and parsley for garden grazing. Yummy fragrances
come courtesy of lemon verbena, rose-scented geraniums and pineapple salvia.
Some plants are just for touching, like perennial lamb’s ears, with their soft, fuzzy
leaves, in silvery shades of green.
Starting from seed that the family has selected together from a catalog pro-
vides a wondrous learning experience. Small children find large seeds such as
corn, beans, pumpkins, zucchini and sunflowers easy to handle and plant. Colorful
annual bedding plants such as petunias, pansies or periwinkles are also excellent
choices for a ready-made start to the season.
Use the seed packet, stapled to a stake with a child’s name written on it, for
easy identification. Bedding plants picked out together at a nursery usually come
with a plant tag, as well. Vivid pictures help children imagine what will grow.
Children love something of their very own, so keep them interested and aware
of their garden by personalizing it with a sign; say, “Mary’s Plot,” or “John’s Place.”
3 Collier / Lee Counties
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