This article covers gardening ideas for teaching your child to grow and care for plants.
A great way to teach your child to love gardening is to let them take part in the process. By letting your child contribute to each step of the process, they can learn about the cycle of life and all of the wonderful things nature has to offer. An easy way to do this is by giving them their own little space to grow their own plants. Interactive learning has always been a valuable teaching tool and this is no exception. By letting them see, touch, and feel every step they learn that with a little work, they can add to the beauty of the world around them. You may be giving them a love of gardening that will stay with them throughout their lives.
The first thing you might want to do is take your child to a botanical garden or a local public garden. Let your child see all the different varieties of plants around them. Ask them which ones they like and why. Start with simple explanations about how the plants grow from seeds. Explain that plants need water and sunlight to grow. If possible, let them smell the flowers and touch the different textures of various plants. Explain that plants produce oxygen and how this benefits people.
Next, let your child decide what they would like to grow. If your child is unsure, offer them some suggestions. Fast growing plants are a great idea for kids because they like to see quick results. Though gardening is a slow process it helps to keep their interest if there is something new to find each time they tend to their gardens. Sunflowers and corn grow to be very tall and begin to grow quickly. Consider cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and pumpkins. Potatoes and broccoli are fast growers also. If they have chosen plants that need to be started indoors, let them help with this as well. Get small cups to fill with soil and plant the seeds. Let the child water the cups as needed and help them watch for signs of the emerging plant.
When the weather is warm enough to start the outdoor garden, find a spot in your own garden for them to grow their own plants. If you don't have a garden, find a nice spot for one. An area of three by three feet is big enough for a small child. Before you begin, have your soil tested for lead or other harmful contaminants. If you find the soil is not something you want you child touching, build a small wood frame and fill it with topsoil from a local home store. Find a type that has no fertilizer in it so your child doesn't get sick from handling it.
If the soil in your yard is in good shape, let them help you remove rocks and twigs from the area. You might want to loosen the soil on your own but explain to them what you are doing. Let the child assist with shoveling the soil when it is loose enough for them to handle it easily. Get them tools that they can easily handle. A small plastic shovel will work just fine for their little hands. Remember to use sunscreen and insect repellant while working outside.
Now you should be ready to plant. If you have started seeds indoors bring them out along with any seeds you will need. Though a spade is probably not a good idea for a young child, they can use a spoon to help you dig. Explain what you are doing as you go. Let them put the seeds in the holes and cover them with dirt. For transplanting, let them handle the plants as you put them into the ground. Let them know that the plants are tender and should be handled as such.
After you have the planting done, let them assist you with watering. Explain that plants need water and sunshine to grow. Each day check the progress of the garden with them. Show them the bugs that may be on the plants. Let them know that this is ok and a part of nature. Most bugs are harmless to plants. They may find evidence that a bug has chewed on a leaf or stalk. Use this opportunity to explain that insects need to eat too and that the plant will still grow. It is best not to use chemicals in a child's garden. If you want to fertilize, find a natural source. As the sprouts shoot up, explain that the plant is thriving from the nutrients in the soil and from the sunlight.
Teaching a child about gardening will help them better understand the process of life. Let them touch and feel the plants as they grow and teach them to appreciate each plant for it's unique beauty. They will get a special joy from eating the vegetables they've helped produce. Tailor your teaching to the child's age. A three year old may only understand the very basics but will be learning more than you can imagine. You will not only be teaching your child about gardening, you will be giving them a sense of accomplishment to help them along in life.
