Tips on Gardening with Kids

There are few things kids love more than playing in the dirt. Throw in a trowel, water, and some seeds and you have the makings for a wonderful time. Your kids will delight in helping create the garden, and will enjoy the extra time spent working on a project with you. The age of the child will dictate involvement in the project, as well as how much actually gets done, but the memories you make and the knowledge you impart will stay with them for a long time to come.

Teaching kids to be responsible gardeners has many benefits other than the simple joy of spending more time with them:

Ecology

Environmental responsibility

Recycling (via composting, creating unique planters, etc.)

The vast beauty found in nature.

Whether your child is 3 or 13, there are lessons they will learn that will help shape them as they grow to adulthood, and some parents will learn new things as well; it's not only for the kids! Depending on your involvement in the project, select plants that mature quickly, and will be easy for small hands to handle. Get your kids involved in all aspects of the project, from soil preparation to planting to watering and cultivation. You'll love seeing their eyes widen in wonder with each new stage 'their' plants go through.

Remember, kids love to taste what they're growing, so plant non-toxic plants. Let the child feel integral to the process, while still providing a guiding hand. You'll be amazed at the results, both in the garden and your child.

Garden size will depend on the amount of space you have available. Whether you live on a farm, or in an apartment, though, you'll find plenty of ideas.

Herb Gardens- Herbs are one of the best things for children to plant. Many of them are beautiful as they grow, and the kids will get a kick out of using what they've grown to help in making dinner! Herbs require relatively little space; you can put them almost anywhere, from a window to a small box garden, or use in a larger garden.

Container Gardens- Strapped for space? Container gardening is the answer. Whether you live in an apartment, or simply have no where to put a garden, these space saving gardens are full of life and color. Recycling containers (coffee cans into planters) will help teach children responsibility as well. A container garden can be as simple as a few clay pots or as elaborate as you care to make it.

Small Gardens- Areas around steps, patios, walkways, or porches can easily be turned into little spots of beauty. Kids will delight in soil preparation (what kid doesn't love playing in the dirt?) and helping with the layout. Put taller plants in the back and layout out according to predicted height, and pay attention to the light requirements listed on the container.

Large Gardens- If you've got the space and the time, a large garden can be a great idea for kids. Help them plant fun colorful plants, or build them a secret hideout of branches and climbing vines (kids love the idea of a secret place). The sky's the limit.

VegetableGarden- Few things are as rewarding as watching your vegetables grow and then cleaning them and adding them to what's on the menu. Kids delight in growing vegetable gardens, and some finicky children are much more apt to eat vegetables they've grown as opposed to what comes from a can or plastic bag.

Whether you decide on a small container garden, or a large garden with secret hideouts and pathways, you're kids will find hours of enjoyment helping you with the project. There are many resources available online to help with ideas and information. Some useful links are provided below.

Kids Gardening

Gardening with Kids

Kidsgarden

Kids Gardening Store

Kids Regen