One of the earliest memories many grownups have is growing things as a child. Whether it was in a backyard garden or in a pot on a sunny windowsill, the feeling of accomplishment was the same.
As a child, I can remember helping my mother in the Spring with her flowerbeds. I had my own rake, hoe, and shovel. Boy, did I ever feel grown up! Later, when I was old enough to go to school, we grew things in small cups on the windowsills. Sometimes these window plants were given for Mother’s Day and sometimes we just took them home at the end of the school year.
Gardening and growing things is a great way to create memories for your family. It’s also a super way to elevate a child’s self esteem! I encourage you to grow something with your child this Spring. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.
Tools Needed – Children need their own sets of tools. This helps give them confidence. When children have kid-sized tools, it is easier for them to manipulate the tools, and you don’t have to go looking for your tools if a child forgets to put them up. You might want to consider getting these pint sized tools for your child: a hoe, rake, shovel, gloves, watering can, etc.
Choosing plants – It’s best to start children out with low maintenance, fast growing, and adaptable seeds or plants. The best plants for children to grow are radishes, sunflowers, marigolds, petunias, strawberries, chives, cherry tomatoes, and even a pumpkin or squash plant, etc. Don’t forget to get some flowers and plants the birds and butterflies will enjoy too!
Choosing a place to plant - Children need a small place to plant so that they don’t get overwhelmed. You can plant in a large flower pot, a small flower bed, a plastic cup, or a small corner of a backyard garden. The key is that it needs to be a small place that gets enough sunshine and has enough space for the plants you choose.
Extend Your Gardening Activities
If you’ve chosen to grow a vegetable garden, you can extend the bonding and education time well beyond the growing season. So what can you do after the vegetable garden is planted? You bring the garden indoors with cooking lessons!
For great step-by-step, illustrated, recipes and even more food related activities see our growing list of educational, seasonal cooking lessons on our cooking site. Great for homeschooling lessons or easy family bonding activities.
Related posts:
