It is amazing how many gardeners that I talk to mention the fact that they became interested in gardening as young children. It is also interesting to note that in almost every instance, there was an older person, a mentor if you will, who sparked a life-long interest in the art of gardening. Youngsters of all ages are fascinated with Nature and the outdoors. If we encourage that interest to continue, we can help foster the next generation of gardeners. We have to be careful and patient, and discover what is appropriate for the individual child and his or her age level. Here are a few ideas about guiding children in their gardening efforts.
One of the best ways to introduce children to gardening is to offer them their own area of the garden that is their own spot. They can plant seeds and bedding plants in that area. Let it be a hodge-podge of plants, and pick seeds and plants that are easy to grow and that kids like.
For example, kids of all ages love sunflowers. The seeds are relatively large, very easy for young children to handle, and produce plants that are spectacular. Other plants with large seeds that would be easy for young children to handle, and are easy to grow include nasturtiums, four-o'clocks, bush beans, peanuts, corn, and zinnias. Started plants can be petunias, marigolds, cherry tomatoes, sweet banana peppers and watermelons.
Theme gardens are great for older kids. Grow a "Pizza Garden". This can consist of bell peppers, paste tomatoes, basil, oregano, and onions. Another theme garden could be a "Snack-Food Garden", which could include popcorn, peanuts, carrots, a few sunflowers and cherry tomatoes.
To keep their interest in gardening sparked, keep a scrapbook for them to chart the progress of their plots. Take photos at different stages. Give them a watering can that is "their own". Get tools that are scaled-down in size for them to use. For example, when you weed the garden, have them help with their own hoes, and help them when they weed their little areas. Work together, take time to talk about their plants and to instruct them as you work together.
Do some fun gardening projects: Add some ornaments to their gardens: scarecrows and pinwheels are two examples. Adding teepees for cucumbers and pole beans is another example. Help them look for worms, help them to carve their "own" pumpkins, show them how to harvest and dry their popcorn, help them to clean and roast their peanuts. When flowers are picked, place an arrangement on the dining room table of "their" flowers. When kids pick their produce, cook and serve it at the dinner table.
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