Tips for Successful Gardening with Your Children

Gardening with your children can be a great family activity to do. Spending quality time with your child while educating them is priceless, and the kids really enjoy learning and watching the fruits of their labor come into bloom.

Here are some hints you can do to make the most of your gardening time with children!

1.Designate a space. Find a space in your yard for your child's garden. This will be strictly his or her space, and to be maintained simply by him or her. Make a sign with his or her name on it, and watch the pride beam from your child's eyes!

2.Let your child pick what he or she wants to grow. After all, this will be your child's work of art, so let him or her pick out the favorite vegetables and flowers. It will be more exciting to your child as they watch and wait! Try to include bright colors like zinnias or cosmos to add a little color. Think sunflowers also, kids are amazed at the sheer height of them! Try to encourage "big" seeds; they are easier to handle for little hands.

3.Hold interest. It's hard on adults waiting for their seeds to germinate, never mind a child's lack of patience. While you're waiting, encourage some seeds to sprout in containers. They are quick and easy to grow and can hold the gardening interest from leaving your child.

4.Remember to tag your plants. I've made this mistake in the past with my own "big girl" garden! It's difficult to remember what's been planted where without tags marking your plantings. Make up tags ahead of time, and remember to mark rows with what's been planted there.

5.Teach your child about poison ivy. It's everywhere! And now that they are learning about plants and taking care of their own, you don't want them getting too cuddly with all plants. Make sure he or she knows which ones to avoid.

6.Bring on the worms! After a good rain, bring your child out to the garden and show them how earthworms can help replenish the soil. It's a great learning experience and most kids are more comfortable with worms that most adults I know.

7.Journal! This is a fabulous experience to have your child learn the basics for the gardening years ahead. Remember to journal your experiences so you can pass it down later on for some great memories.

It's a rewarding experience for young and old alike when gardening with children. The excitement and enthusiasm that shows on a child's face when the plants start coming is priceless. Make happy memories but starting a garden with your child today!