1 of 2
2 of 2
Of the many gifts we can offer the next generation, planting the seeds of faith and patience by gardening with children results in lifelong rewards. Make this the year that you get your children and grandchildren to unplug and join you outside to reap the benefits of tending the garden.
Of the many gifts we can offer the next generation, planting the seeds of faith and patience by gardening with children results in lifelong rewards. Make this the year that you get your children and grandchildren to unplug and join you outside to reap the benefits of tending the garden.
The best results come when you make it easy and fun with speedy results, a sure way to have young gardeners coming back for more. Remember to unplug yourself, too, by leaving your smart phone inside and staying in the moment with the soil, air and young minds eager to learn.
When gardening with youngsters, it’s best to start with seeds that germinate easily and quickly. Flowers such as sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, spider flower and marigolds will be flowering about 30 days after planting. Check the seed packets where germination times will dictate what can be planted with winter on the way. Another planting to consider at this time of year is a cover crop of clover or cereal rye that will nourish the soil over the winter.
Think of how much fun it would be for budding gardeners to plant seeds in the shape of the child’s initials. Running outside each morning to check on their garden will teach them about caring for plants by watering, weeding and thinning. Planting one seed per inch teaches math and measurements.
The most important thing is to give them their own row or dedicated space.
Start at an early age and be consistent about including them when you’re busy in the yard. As you garden while they’re playing, gradually they’ll want to join you and a lifelong avocation will begin. Children are never too young to enjoy the outdoors and dig in the dirt, but be mindful of calling it “working in the garden.” It’s simply gardening, a delightful way to spend some spare time while sharing your passion or hobby.
One more bit of advice if you want to instill a love of growing things: never use weeding as a form of punishment for misbehaving. I’ve heard many stories of parents who did this, and it’s a shame because it ruins the joy of gardening for little ones.
My advice to gardeners of all ages? Get outside and stay outside, because digging in the dirt really is child’s play.
Garden Spot by Katherine M. Brooks, VSLD, Virginia Certified Landscape Designer, is a regular column in The Local Scoop. Do you have a question about gardening in the Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula? Ask Kathy! Call her at 804-387-7402. Visit katherinebrookslandscapes.com for more information about Kathy and sustainable landscape design.