Parents know that finding activities for their children during the school-free summer months can present a challenge. If you’re looking for an ongoing project that will keep your kids busy and is both fun and educational, gardening may be just the thing.
It may not initially thrill your children when you turn off the television and encourage them to head outside with you, especially if they think they’re simply meant to help with yard work. It’s important to have your children feel as though they aren’t just completing another chore on a to-do list. Take them with you to a nursery or show them a successful garden to give them an idea of what types of things they can do. Blueberries, tomatoes, and mild peppers are good starters for children; they are simple to care for and often produce fruits and veggies regularly during the season. It will be wonderful to see your children’s sense of accomplishment when they can make blueberry muffins using their own, homegrown berries. Kids Gardening has a wealth of information on how to get started.
The Whole Process
Don’t miss a single opportunity to teach and explain the growing process to your children. Explain to them how soil plays an important role in providing nutrients to their plants, and how sunlight and the water cycle will impact their growth. This translates well in getting your children to recycle and compost; they will be quick to remind you not to throw out your carrot peels or egg shells if they understand how much those things will help their plants grow! Gardening With Kids has wonderful resources for helping you teach your children about the basics of botany.
Just For Them
Whether you’re just starting to garden or have one that is well-established, make sure there is a section of the garden for which your children can feel wholly responsible. Of course you might want to have them help you pull up weeds and water all the beds, not just their own, but a personal space “just for them” comes highly recommended. The Lazy Gardener has some wonderful ideas for garden activities.
Save the Memories!
Take pictures of the whole process and build a photo album. ‘Before and After’ shots will demonstrate to your children how their hard work has paid off; don’t be surprised if they want to take it back to school with them in the fall!
