Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Gardening with Kids



Well if you are anything like me you have started dreaming of spending time in your garden already! Spring is just around the corner and I can't wait to put some plants in the ground!

I love a well cared for garden of just about any variety...flowers, herbs, vegetables, anything will please me! I think my love for gardening started as a kid. My Grandma lived next door and had my sister and I come over just about every day and help her water her flower beds. Oh my, was it a lot of work - but there was always a special treat waiting after the work was done! Often it was ice cream ,which is just what a kid needs after working in the late afternoon on a summer day! I also remember getting to plant my own little bit of a garden for 4-H which was also fun. I think I planted zinnias if I remember correctly!

Here are a few tips for getting your children to enjoy gardening:

- Give them their own small section of the garden to plant and take care of.

- Have them assist you but do not pressure them too much if they are young. If they are more interested in catching bugs than pulling weeds let them catch some bugs!

- Try planting a themed garden (certain colors, tall plants, wizard of oz theme, etc.)

- Have fun in the garden yourself - it will be contagious!

Check out Gardening with Kids for more great ideas!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have two little ones and I can't wait for the snow to melt so we can get into the garden. I plan on getting a small set of gardening tools and a wheel barrow for them for easter... which is this weekend so... I should get on that.
But thanks!
Love the blog about tracing your toddler. Must try that after nap time today!

Jamie - Family Focused Fun said...

Mary:
Excellent thought on getting the kids their own tools and wheel barrow! I bet they will love that! Thanks for commenting! :-)

Mark said...

I thought your young gardeners would enjoy growing the TickleMe Plant.
Visit www.TickleMePlant.com to see the plant that closes its leaves and lowers its branches when tickled. THIS WEEK- Family Focused Fun Bloggers can put in the word TICKLE at check out and we will take off TWO DOLLARS off the total.
Mark Chipkin
Educational Project Director
TickleMe Plant Company