How to get kids involved in gardening
Spring starts next week! It might not always feel like it, but before you know it nature will be in full swing. To start the season with renewed interest, consider gardening with kids. Some green industry players are concerned that our present young generation -- unlike past generations -- has not been exposed to gardening as a part of their lifestyle.
For example, family farms are slipping away, and 4 H clubs have lower enrollments. The general impression is that children today are not connected to plants and gardens. Since children are the future, you can help to make them stewards of the land by encouraging them to get involved with plants. Here are some ways you can grow their interest in gardening, whether it's your own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends or neighbors.
START OUT SIMPLE. Children can get involved when they are 2 to 3 years old with very easy tasks, such as watering or planting a seed. They might not understand the concept, but they will enjoy the activity. Give them small tools: shovels, rakes and watering cans that fit little hands.
LET THEM GET DIRTY. Get the kids outside to dig in the soil, show them a worm, ants, plant roots and the textures of soil. Make a mud pie, let them wiggle their toes in the mud and make a clay figure. Our soils are heavy with clay; use it as a sculpting material.
INTRODUCE THEM TO VEGETABLE GARDENING. This will not only encourage kids to eat vegetables, but they will learn to appreciate how food is grown. Grow it organically, so children learn about bugs, the good and the bad. Let them eat vegetables off the plant. Green beans and tomatoes taste better when freshly harvested. Allow the garden spider to build a web and enjoy as the neighborhood children gather to admire its work.
PLANT A ROW FOR THE HUNGRY. TThere is an organization for gardeners to grow, harvest and donate a portion of their garden produce to local food pantries. The Chicago Botanic Garden donates produce from the Fruit & Vegetable Garden to local food pantries. This allows children to give to others and builds a sense of community in knowing the joy of giving.
GROW PLANTS WITH KIDS at a community garden. If you don't have the space or sunlight for vegetables, check your city hall or township center to inquire about a local community garden.
SHOP WITH KIDS FOR PLANTS at a greenhouse or garden center. The colors, smells and intrigue of a greenhouse will draw children into gardening. Involve them in the selection of a plant that they can nurture when at home.
VISIT A BOTANIC GARDEN, a conservatory or arboretum. Many have special gardens built especially with kids in mind. They have small-scale tools, water features, tree houses, mazes and lots of activities geared towaung learners. They offer classes, storytelling and, best of all, day camps in the summer! If you think you might not be the best teacher about gardening, let these experts share their knowledge and love of plants with your little ones.
NOW IS THE TIME WHEN SUGAR MAPLE trees are tapped for their sap to make maple syrup. It's a great activity for teaching children how plants relate to food.
PLANT A PIZZA GARDEN in a pot this summer. You don't even need an area of the yard for this project, a patio, deck and front step will work. It does require a sunny location, some soil, a large pot with drainage and a few plants from the garden center. Use a soilless mix and fill the pot within a few inches of the top, place a patio cherry tomato in the center, add a green pepper plant, a few onion sets, basil, oregano and parsley. Water to keep evenly moist, and fertilize once a month with a balance formula.
