Gardening is an excellent way to spend quality time with children. Without them realising that they are actually learning something, you can teach them small lessons about life, nature, and the value of protecting our environment. Children love learning and discovering things for themselves. Present gardening to your child as part science, part art, and part play. By showing a child how to do something, they are better able to understand the ‘how and why’ of what you are doing. Children love fragrance, bright colors, size extremes, and different textures. There are also proud when they grow a fruit or vegetable to share with family at mealtime. There are many fun gardening projects that your child can do and at very little expense. Having the fun outdoors in the fresh air is an added bonus. Any child expressing an interest in gardening should be fully encouraged. Don't wait for them to ask you if they can participate – invite them to join you! Never order them to help in the garden as it then becomes a chore.
Children tend to be slightly impatient at times, and like to see the fruits of their labour as soon as possible. It helps to have an ‘instant gratification’ type of plant or two among the ones you choose for them to plant. Find simple tasks for them, which they can successfully accomplish in a short period of time. Using their own ‘kid-size’ rake, they can get to the leaves and debris, which are somewhat difficult for us ‘larger’ people to get to. Ask them if they would mind helping out with the raking, while you are tending to another project. Tell them the purpose of raking is a very important one. Not only will it make the garden look much nicer, it will also get rid of many of the hiding places of slugs, and’ bad’ bugs, so that they can't attack your plants. If you take the time to explain about the importance of watching out for ‘baby’ plants to your child they will be very, very careful. Nonetheless, use discretion and common sense when choosing an area for them to rake.
If you have the space, you may want to establish a special garden bed just for your child. This may be a section of your garden which has been partitioned off with a small fence, or possibly a circle or another shape, which has been laid out using ‘special’ rocks. Another option would be to create an entirely new garden, elsewhere in the yard, using landscape timbers for the borders. It is better for your child to utilise plants when possible, rather than seeds. They are more reliable, and produce more of an instant result. If you have a special area in the garden, where plants are extra fragile, or where you expect bulbs to sprout soon, don't be afraid to designate that area as temporarily off limits. Explain to them that no one, except yourself, is allowed in that part of the garden for now. Not even other adults, and tell them why. They will understand. Please consider the safety issues for your children when they are playing or working in the garden.
Children tend to be slightly impatient at times, and like to see the fruits of their labour as soon as possible. It helps to have an ‘instant gratification’ type of plant or two among the ones you choose for them to plant. Find simple tasks for them, which they can successfully accomplish in a short period of time. Using their own ‘kid-
If you have the space, you may want to establish a special garden bed just for your child. This may be a section of your garden which has been partitioned off with a small fence, or possibly a circle or another shape, which has been laid out using ‘special’ rocks. Another option would be to create an entirely new garden, elsewhere in the yard, using landscape timbers for the borders. It is better for your child to utilise plants when possible, rather than seeds. They are more reliable, and produce more of an instant result. If you have a special area in the garden, where plants are extra fragile, or where you expect bulbs to sprout soon, don't be afraid to designate that area as temporarily off limits. Explain to them that no one, except yourself, is allowed in that part of the garden for now. Not even other adults, and tell them why. They will understand. Please consider the safety issues for your children when they are playing or working in the garden.
