Great Gardening Projects for Dads and Kids

There is nothing that works greater as a bonding agent between humans than the shared emotional attachment of caring for the well being of something that is alive. That has a growth cycle, and is dependent upon you for its well being. Bonding happens naturally, when there is a shared joy over an accomplishment, or a concern over a health issue. Because of today's economy more and more families are making the tough decision not to bring the joy of a family pet into the home. Many have already been through the heartbreak of having to choose between their pets life and paying the mortgage or utility bills, and never want to take their children there again. What else is there that can teach lessons in responsibility like those to be gained from caring for a live pet? Is there anything else that a dad share with his kids that can create that same bonding atmosphere? Yes, a Garden.

Plants like animals have a growing period, and they require proper care and feeding. If you fail to care for them adequately they will become noticeably sick, and could even die. This nurturing natural cycle of growing and harvesting, together, can be a great sharing and bonding experience for dads and their kids. If you have a plot in the yard or you have enough room to set aside a small growing area in the house, this can be a hobby with benefits. Not only does dad share an interest with the kids, they spend quality time together. The best part is when harvest time arrives, the whole family is able to share the fruits of their labors together.

With a little research and elbow grease you can be planting and growing in no time. If weather permits you can choose to develop an outdoor plot. In winter, or if you live within the city, and do not have outdoor space available, an indoor potted garden is equally as enjoyable and rewarding. Whether potted inside, or an outdoor garden plot, a few bags of a good pre mixed commercial garden soil will be essential to ensure dad and the kids get their garden off on the right foot.

Remember if indoor gardening it is very important to be sure and place adequate waterproofing protection on the floor area you will be using as your 'garden'. Some plants will produce extremely well, and thrive under indoor gardening conditions. One easy to manage example of indoor, potted success stories are tomato plants. There is also a variety of fresh herbs and salad greens that will give back to you for your efforts almost year round. Another popular, and hardy candidate for indoor potted gardening would be green bell peppers.

When choosing your garden seeds you should try to purchase seeds that have not been genetically modified. Look for names like heirloom on the labels. Rare seeds.com is an excellent source of unaltered vegetable seeds. Another must you will need to consider, if planning an indoor potted vegetable patch, is fluorescent lighting, to meet the light needs required by blooming plants in the winter months. Home harvest.com is one of many places that have a selection of reasonably priced indoor light fixtures for growing healthy plants.

You can rest assured of one thing, with a minimal investment dad and the kids can share a hobby that gives back. With today's economy growing a garden plot makes more sense than ever. Imagine that first night Mom makes stuffed green peppers, and you have a salad made with fresh grown greens? Yum Yum.