When this time of year rolls around I start to think about cleaning up the yard and planning for our garden. Last year our garden was a major fail. Well, for us (the humans) that is. Some little woodland creatures had a good old time devouring every single plant that sprouted.
One good thing that came out of planting our garden last year was that my kids got really excited for the whole process: Plant the seed. Give it plenty of sunshine and water. Plant grows and produces veggies. Eat and enjoy yummy veggies.
They had so much fun playing in the dirt and checking on the progress of our plants every day. Getting your kids interested in gardening is also a great way to build patience. In the land of fast food, it can help kids gain the perspective that real food takes time to grow.
While I'm definitely not a master gardener, I have learned some tricks over the years. The biggest lesson I've learned is that my garden doesn't have to be perfect to grow something beautiful (or good to eat).
Make sure to keep these tips in mind when starting a garden with your own kids.
Plan
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Planning your garden before planting will help you get the best harvest possible. In addition to knowing how big of a space you'll be using, you will need to decide what fruits, herbs, flowers and vegetables you want to grow. It's best to start with a smaller area for kids. Container gardens are a great small option.
Choose the Best Plants for Your Area and Time
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Think about what grows locally and what grows best in your region. Also think of foods that you buy regularly in the store that are easy to grow, but more expensive. Berries are a good example. Most kids love carrots, peas and cucumbers, which are quite easy to grow as well.
Protect Plants Without Pesticides
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A garden with a wide variety of plants helps prevent pests. Make sure your garden has plenty of light, moisture and nutrients to help keep the pests away, too.
Have Fun
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Gardening is a great way to teach the whole family where their food is coming from. Enjoy watching the amazing process of growing your own food from seed and eventually enjoying it at your table.
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