SAHM: Growing a Family Garden with Your Children

With spring on the march, it's time to start thinking about planting a family garden. As a stay at home mom, it's a good idea to have your children help you while they are out of school for the summer. Not only will you have free child labor, but you can tire them out and reduce the amount of boredom they must endure during the horribleness of Summer Vacation. Here are a few tips on planning and growing a family garden with your children, and they might even have a glimpse of fun in the process.

Choosing Fruits & Veggies -- When deciding what fruits and vegetables to plant in your family garden let the children make lists of their favorites. Make your own list as well. After all the lists have been completed, sit down with the family and choose things that everyone likes, a special plant or two, and then choose some veggies that your children have never eaten before.

Choosing the Garden Area -- A dry, sunny day is the perfect opportunity to take the kids out and explore your property in search of the perfect garden spot. Decide how big you want the garden, choose a location that gets a lot of sunlight throughout the day with adequate water drainage, and mark off the area with stakes, string, or even colorful popsicle sticks (the kids will love having to eat their way to the sticks).

Prepare the Ground -- Most gardens will require a bit of ground preparation before you toss your seeds into the dirt. There are two basic options when it comes to turning the earth: by hand and by machine. You and the kids can get out there with rakes, shovels, hoes, and a wheelbarrow. This will not only tire everyone out, but it could also lead to painful blisters, splinters, and whiny children. On the other hand, you can rent or purchase a garden tiller. You, or another adult, will have to operate the tiller, but it will take less time and less whining. After going over the garden area once, have the children spread a layer of good composted dirt or mushroom dirt before tilling it in again.

Make a Garden Chore Chart -- After all the planting has been done, collect everyone around the kitchen table and create a garden chore chart. Plan it according to age, skill level, and time spent in the garden. From weeding, to watering, to measuring a plant's growth, and ultimately harvest, there are many things for children of all ages to do in a garden.

Being part of the growing process, watching their seeds sprout into small plants, watering plants to make them grow bigger, and finally being able to harvest their own fresh fruits and vegetables will entice your children to eat their bounty. Seeing that their hard work has provided food for the whole family helps children feel pride in themselves and feel like a contributing member of the household. And, you may even introduce a new favorite fruit or vegetable to your family. Eating healthy is easier when your family grows its own food.

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