Is there anything more fun for a kid than digging in the dirt without getting scolded? I think that’s what gardening with kids is really all about – getting up to your elbows in dirt and grime.
Most kids are born gardeners. After all, look at the time and great care they take to develop imaginary cities, roads, and castles in their sandbox. It doesn’t take a lot of coaxing to get a child to turn that planning, digging, and cultivating into a garden.
Gardening requires only a few simple elements no matter what your child’s age is – location, sun, water, soil, and seeds or plants. To get started, we’ll take a look at the 5 elements and how to make choices that will get a nice little garden started that your child will be proud of.
1) Location – This is important for several reasons. Of course, you want a location that is suitable for your child’s age. For very young children, you may want to consider a container garden that you can keep on a patio instead of a spot of ground away from the house. The location will also depend on the next couple elements.
2) Sun – Most plants will require a lot of sunshine to make them grow. You and your child will want to keep track of the sunshine that falls on the chosen garden patch to be sure that it will get plenty of light. In some climates, however, the amount of sunshine may be too intense. In that case, you must also consider shade.
3) Water – Your child’s garden will require watering. You can’t rely on rainfall to do the job. When choosing the location of the garden, you’ll want to keep watering in mind. Make the task simple by locating your garden near hoses and sprinklers.
4) Soil – The dirt found in the location you’ve chosen is important, but not crucial if you’re willing to buy garden soil. If you’re lucky enough to dig up the sod and find nice rich soil, then a little cultivation and some serious sifting out of rocks, sticks, roots, and debris will yield a nice base for your seedlings. Gardening in containers may be preferable if the soil and drainage is just not suitable for growing.
5) Seeds and Plants – What vegetable and/or flower should your child plant? Depending on the age of the child, you will want to plant something that is fast growing and hearty. A simple selection of tomato, radishes, onion, and lettuce might keep your little one interested. Mix in some marigolds for color and you’ve got a good start on an entertaining and delicious garden. The area you have and your particular growing season will determine what your child will be able to choose.
Once all these elements have been discussed and decided, it’s time to plant! Well, maybe not yet. Don’t forget to check the planting times where you are. There may be a surprise frost coming so beware, but get ready!
For lots of fun gardening information especially for kids, The University of Illinois Extension has a great website. The illustrations are colorful and the instructions are simple and straight forward. Check their website out by clicking here. Then start planning a garden that will be fun for your kids – and you!
Great Article!
I am growing that TickleMe Plant that everyone is talking about. I can’t wait to see the leaves close when I tickle it!. Have you grown a TickleMe Plant yet? For those that are like me and never heard of it till recently..
check out the video and of course grow you own.
http://www.ticklemeplant.com
My 5-yr-old boys are very excited to help plant their first garden this year. I made sure to get some sunflowers, because I always remember growing them when I was little. Fun!
Lee,
The tickle me plant is a Mimosa tree….found all over the south. For free!
Oh no the mimosa tree is much different. Although the leaves look the same they react to being Tickled.
You can read all about the TickleMe Plant in the New TickleMe Plant Book I found out http://www.ticklemeplant.com Now it can be grown indoors but this is not your typical house plant!
My TickleMe Plant is more like a pet to my kids.
I am teaching my grandchildren the love of gardening. It also helps them with their eating habits, as I tell them they should always eat, or at least try, the foods that they are planting. It is so much fun to watch them growing vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, onions, cabbage…. the list goes on! They can’t wait until the plants reach maturity, and then we will have cooking lessons! They are excited to try all the different vegetables that they have planted. Their mother thanks me!
Check and see if your state’s food stamp program
covers seeds and canning goods. Those items
are included on the Illinois Food Stamp list. A
little work in the garden can provide fresh
vegetables and homemade goodies like jelly,
ketchup, and spaghetti sauce throughout the rest
of the year. We grow and can as much of our own
food as possible. We also set aside some of our
friends’ favourites for gifts.
If you are religious tell your little ones(and big ones)–
Who plants a seed in the sod
waits to see
believes in God
My mother would always said that at the beginning of planting season. I carried it on to my son and grandson-sweet little tradition
Mae, that is a beautiful prayer! Thank you for sharing it.
Unfortunately, I picked the wrong spot for DS’ first garden. It’s shady in the a.m., then gets the hot afternoon sun. Tomatoes and borage do not like the hot Texas afternoon sun. We’ll do better next year. It’s been a learning experience, anyway.