Gardens and children are as natural a pairing as tomatoes and basil. What could be more enchanting to a child than dirt, worms, water, and digging? Creating their own project is a wonderful learning experience and rewarding results such as sunflowers or pumpkins add to the fun. A garden project can be a simple as sprouting some bean seeds in a jar or as involved as creating, caring for, and harvesting a complete vegetable garden. Children as young as two can enjoy and learn from gardens and gardening projects. Older children can use math, science, and even art skills in creating a garden.
It is possible to grow vegetables in the smallest of spaces. Even a few pots on a small patio or balcony can produce a very satisfying crop of tomatoes, lettuce and herbs. Make sure there is access to water and at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight for vegetables. It is better for a child to have a garden space that is exclusively theirs. This could be a pot or two, some space in a flower bed, or a corner of a vegetable garden. For younger children it should not be more than about a square yard.
Children will enjoy choosing their own plants and seeds with some guidance from you. For very young children, larger seeds, such as peas, squash, and beans are easier for them to handle. Children love the unusual, so look for varieties that have unique qualities, such as purple beans, miniature pumpkins or yellow cherry tomatoes. Radishes are satisfying for short attention spans since most varieties mature in fewer than 30 days. Some flowers, such as sunflowers or nasturtiums can be a fun addition. Just be sure any flowers you choose are not toxic. Check seed packets as well and avoid those that have seeds treated with chemicals.
When it's time to start the garden, the children should do as much of the digging and planting as possible. Remember that it doesn't have to be perfect. Crooked rows or even no rows at all are okay! If there is room, leave a little space just for digging. That can be the favorite part of gardening for younger children.
Maintenance never seems to be quite as much fun as the planting! Talk with your child about how plants need soil, sun and water to grow just like they need food and water to grow. A printed schedule for watering and weeding can help an older child to remember to care for their garden, but keep it fun, not a chore, and know that you will probably need to help out a bit with the maintenance.
When it is time for children to pick and eat what they have grown, the vegetables will not be the only harvest. While the plants have grown, so have the children. They have learned new skills, developed a love of nature, and gained the self- esteem that comes from creating something of value.
