Like most other avid gardeners, I consider my tasks and chores in the garden to be labors of love, and recreation, rather than WORK. I learned my love for gardening, and earned my green thumb, when I was very young. Maybe it was the earthworms and the bugs that attracted me to the soil...
Maybe it was the thought that I could get dirty, without getting in trouble... More likely, it was seeing my mother actually enjoying her gardening projects,and a desire to help her as she went about the seemingly happy task of tending to her favorite Irises and Daylilies.At the end of the day, (even though Mom had done 99% of the work...)we would always stand back, together, to admire how beautiful "OUR" garden looked!

Spend some good "quality" time with your child (or grandchild)
Ask them to join you in your enjoyment of gardening
Gardening is an excellent way to spend quality time with children. Without them realizing that they are actually learning something, you can teach them small lessons about life, the workings of nature, and the value of protecting our environment.
In these days when family activities tend to cost too much money to do very often, why not opt for a little FREE, old-fashioned family fun.

Any child expressing an interest in gardening should be fully encouraged. Don't wait for them to ask you if they can participate. If you look up from your garden puttering, and see a pair of young eyes looking on inquisitively, invite them to join you! Never order them to help in the garden. It then becomes a chore... WORK! Once gardening becomes classified as work, they may never again be able to look at gardening as enjoyable. Let them know, and see that you enjoy this form of recreation. Present gardening to your child as part science, part art, and part play. Allow them to use their imagination, and their creativity will flourish. Children love learning and discovering things for themselves.

Remember... a child's attention span is short. Find simple tasks for them, which they can successfully accomplish in a short period of time. If they decide that it is time to take a break, and play with a bug for a while, let them, they will get back to their gardening soon enough. Children seem to have an unending source of energy, and have a need to stay busy, but they will get bored if they do the same thing for too long. Make sure that you have lots of options available for them, so that when the boredom does set in, they can easily move on to their next project. These small successes will show your child that they too, can do 'big people' things, and do them very well! Let them know what a 'big help' they have been to you. This will bring about increased self esteem, as well as having them eager to help you the next time.

Adult sized tools are burdensome for a small child to use, and using your garden trowel, to do the work you are doing with a full sized shovel, just doesn't seem the same to a child. For about the same price that you will pay for your new rake, you can purchase a full set of kid sized, functional gardening tools. This may be the perfect reward, to show them how much you appreciate all of the help they have been....

There are dozens of things that these little people can do to help you out, as you are doing your chores. With your guidance, this ongoing, 'hands on' participation becomes the best teacher of all. A child will soon learn that successful gardening is the result of a combination of many different, small steps. As you begin, keep in mind that a picture is worth a thousand words. By showing a child how to do something, they are better able to understand the 'how and why' of what you are doing, and remember!. Keep your explanations simple, but DO try to explain why you do what you are doing.

Begin with the basics... the soil, where gardening begins.
Most young children love to dig and play in the dirt. Dig a small planting hole together, to show them how you do it. Discuss why you are digging the hole at that particular size, so that your new plant will fit 'just right' into it's new home. With all you have to do, I'd be willing to bet that if you asked really nicely, your child would be more than happy to dig another hole, just like this one, but over there.... Ya think??????

MUD PIES.... just not as messy..... As soon as a child can count, they can learn how to follow a simple recipe. Show them how to blend together a batch of planting mix. Let's see.......

Put 3 scoops of that nice black garden soil from our garden, into our wheelbarrow.....
Then we will put in 1 scoop of peat moss from that pile over there...... (We add this to the soil, to make it fluffier, so the roots will grow better.
We should add 1 scoop of compost...... (We put this in our mix because it is a very good, natural food for our plant)
And 1 'little' scoop of sand...... (This flower we are planting, doesn't like very much water, and the sand will help the water drain away...) You get the idea....
Under no circumstances, should a young child be allowed access to fertilizers or other chemicals!
Raking is another part of gardening that a child can handle, if given the chance. Using their own 'kid size' rake, they can get to the leaves and debris, which are somewhat difficult for us 'larger' people to get to. Ask them if they would mind helping you out with the raking, while you are tending to another project. Tell them that the purpose of this raking operation is a very important one. Not only will it make the garden look much nicer, it will also get rid of many of the hiding places of slugs and 'bad' bugs, so they can't attack your plants.

It is difficult for even an adult to navigate through a garden, mindful of where each foot step goes, to be sure that it doesn't come down on top of a small, newly emerging plant. If you take the time to explain about the importance of watching out for these 'baby' plants to your child, they will be very, very careful! Nonetheless, use discretion, and common sense when choosing an area for them to rake. If you have a special area in the garden, where plants are extra fragile, or where you expect bulbs to sprout soon, don't be afraid to designate that area as temporarily off-limits. Explain to them that no one, except for yourself, is allowed in that part of the garden for now..... not even other adults, and tell them why. They will understand.

Plants and flowers

If you have the space, you may want to establish a special garden bed just for your child. This may be a section of your garden which has been partitioned off with a small fence, or possibly a circle or other shape, which has been laid out using 'special' rocks. Another option would be to create an entirely new garden, elsewhere in the yard, using landscape timbers for the borders. If you opt to start your child's garden from scratch, keep in mind that all of the initial work of breaking ground will have to be done by yourself. Which ever the case may be, keep it simple, and keep it relatively small. You want your joint gardening project to be fun for you and for your child, not a chore!
The whole idea of gardening with your child is mutual enjoyment and quality time. While you might consider the idea of having your child do the whole, entire project by themselves, remember that it is EXTREMELY important that their first gardening experiences be positive ones. To this end, do everything possible to ensure a first time gardening success story. Help them, as they have been helping you. I'd recommend that you give your child a fertile, developed area of your garden as their gardening space. Certainly, you have a spot in your garden, where ANYTHING will grow, and EVERYTHING seems to thrive. Share that area, even if there is only enough space for your child to grow one or two plants... The glow that will beam from your child's face, and the pride that they will show, as their very first plant bursts into bloom is absolutely priceless!

When it is time to look through the garden catalog, or go down to the nursery to pick out your new plants, invite your child's participation. Allow them to choose (with your helpful guidance...) a special plant or two of their own, to be planted alongside your new plants, even if they don't have their own space. Use your knowledge of plants and gardening to guide them in their choice, but it should be their decision.

Children love fragrance, bright colors (the brighter the better!), size extremes, and different textures. They are also 'proud as peacocks', when they grow a fruit or vegetable to share with the family at mealtime. Point out some examples of these types of plants, keeping in mind that you will have to live with their choices too. (More than likely, they will eagerly accept your recommendations.) Children tend to be slightly impatient at times, and like to see the fruits of their labor as soon as possible. so it helps to have an 'instant gratification' type plant or two among the selections.

In most cases, I believe that it is far better for your child to utilize plants when possible, rather than seeds. They are more reliable, and produce more of an 'instant' result. Of course, it is also important for your child to become familiar with planting and growing seeds as well. (There will be times that the only way of obtaining and growing a plant is from seed) Starting seeds indoors is a great project that you can do together on a rainy day.

When the time has arrived to actually shop for the plants which will adorn your child's and your gardens, you should first sit down and discuss the cultural requirements of the different plants which are being considered. It is not necessary to go into a lot of details, but your child must be aware that certain plants will only thrive in full sun, while another plant would certainly perish if it were planted in the same spot.

As you and your child thumb through your plant catalog, or wander through your favorite garden center, your child is likely to be drawn to the most dramatic appearing perennials, and flowering shrubs. Let them know that you are there to help, if they have any questions about which plants will do well in their garden. By carefully wording your responses, you can guide your child to appropriate choices. It may be helpful to suggest a couple of ideas of your own, before you even begin looking. That way, you can begin your browsing by looking at those options first, rather than having to eliminate hundreds of other plants (for one reason or another), before you even get to your own suggestions.

Your child may discover a plant which is completely inappropriate in your mind (because of size, shape, or you reallllly don't like it). If you are unable to veto the choice because all other criteria are met, ("But, Daddy, it DOES need full sun!") don't tell them no right away, unless you are pushed into a corner with no escape! When this situation arises, I would suggest that you respond with "we will keep that plant in mind, when we make our final choice... but let's go look at a few others first." This should give you enough time to direct their attention to another plant, which has that same particular asset which drew your child to the first choice. ('Mmmmmm... this one smells soooooo good!", "I reallllly like that red flower, Mom!". Remember that although this is supposed to be their garden project, ultimately you are going to be responsible for the results.

Although radishes may not be up at the top of your favorite food list, they are an excellent choice for your child's first seed growing experience. The speed at which they germinate and actually grow into food is sure to keep their interest. Suggest putting in a short row of them, in the front of the garden so they can keep an eye on the progress. If the weather has sufficiently warmed, and the seeds are planted according to the package directions, your child can be admiring their handiwork in as little as three or four days, when the first leaves emerge from the ground. Depending on the variety, your child may be harvesting food for their family's table as soon as a month later... A very satisfying and fulfilling experience for them, to say the least!
The bright, cheery annual flowers, such as cosmos, marigolds, zinnias, nasturtiums, and snapdragons, will almost certainly please your child. These easy-to-grow, low-maintenance, 'color spots' are available in six packs of small starters, or they can be purchased in four inch pots (normally, already in bud or bloom) for much quicker results.
Many herbs are also available as starter plants. Children love to sniff the wonderful scent of lemon balm or mint when you show them how to crumble a leaf between their fingers. Most herbs are easily grown, but unfortunately, many of them tend to be invasive (especially the different mints). There are also many which will remain compact, so do a little research into the habits of the selected herbs before you commit to growing them. Unless you have adequate space to deal with the larger herbs, it is better to forget this category.
The soft and woolly foliage of Lamb's Ears, (a perennial), will be the constant recipient of gentle strokes and attention by your child, from the moment it is brought home from the nursery.
The Coleus, a fast growing annual, produces a rainbow of colored foliage from the moment it begins growing. The variety of colors is so nearly complete, that no matter what your child's favorite color is, you can probably find a Coleus that is just right. These plants are probably one of the best examples to use as a teaching aid...
They are easily started and grown from seed, either in the garden, or as a house plant.
Although a Coleus produces a stalk of pretty blue flowers, the plant will last longer if the spikes are pinched off. Explain to your child that it is better, and healthier for the plant if the flowers are removed. This is a perfect plant for a youngster to learn how to pinch or disbud plants, because it would be next to impossible for them to inflict serious damage to this almost indestructible plant. When the time is right to advance your child into the world of plant propagation, you can both enjoy the experience of taking cuttings, and creating a 'clone' of the original. A cutting can be taken at almost any time during the Coleus' life, but the best time is toward the end of the summer, so that you can keep your plant growing indoors, to enjoy all through the winter. A 4-5 inch cutting taken from the tip of a healthy branch, placed in a glass of water, and set in a bright warm spot will root, and be ready for potting in as little as a week to ten days. Another proud moment for your child!
How tall is your child??? Three feet? Can you imagine how good they will feel about their accomplishment, when they grow a big ol' sunflower that towers over them by several feet? Sunflowers are easy to grow, and will be several feet high in no time at all. It will take a while before your child actually has a 'sun flower' on their plant, but with the rapid growth rate of these plants, they are sure to keep their interest. By the end of the summer, they can either munch down on their own home grown seeds, or save them to feed the hungry birds during the coming winter.
Green beans...... hmmmmmph! Do I really think that any kid wants to grow green beans??? Probably not.....
What about if you work together, and build a teepee frame out of six foot bamboo poles or inexpensive 2x2's which have been joined at the top? A few bean seeds planted at the base of each stake, will quickly sprout, and begin climbing to the top of the pole. With a little training to keep the vines growing in the right direction, the entire frame will soon be covered with thick foliage, followed by dainty flowers, and then, (ick) the green beans. In the meantime, a cave of sorts has been created beneath this architectural wonder. A perfect, shady spot to take a quick break from all of those gardening chores, don't you think?? In case you can't tell, I am not a big fan of green beans. Personally, I think I will grow some Morning Glories on my teepee frame, instead of the beans. They will work out every bit as well!
Theme gardens... kid style
In my own yard, I have several different gardens. Although it wasn't necessarily intended to work out that way in the beginning, many of them have developed a 'theme'. One garden is dedicated to butterflies and hummingbirds. One of them features different varieties of Narcissus and Daffodils. Another garden contains a collection of the shade plants which are native to this area.
I like the 'theme' concept, because it allows me to use my imagination and creativity, thinking of ways to improve and enhance them. Your child might be interested in creating their own type of theme...

How about a critter garden??? Let me see,,,, we could plant our LAMB's Ears in this garden. A CATnip or CAT mint would definitely fit the category. TIGER Lilies, ELEPHANT Ears, SnapDRAGONS, MONKEY Flower, HENS and CHICKS, BUTTERFLY Weed... There are enough different 'animal' plants that your child should be able to keep quite content... and busy with this theme.
Probably the simplest theme to adhere to, would be a garden consisting of like-colored flowers. There should be no shortage of options here, no matter what your child's favorite color may be ....
These plants are from.... An older child, having the ability to do more research, might be interested in pursuing a collection of plants from a certain country or region of the world. Perhaps a different plant type from each continent, for an international garden?
A butterfly garden doesn't have to be on a grand scale. Help your child pick two or three plants which attract and feed butterflies. A butterfly garden will not only help your child learn more about the plant world, they will be able to observe and enjoy the beauty and grace of these living garden ornaments.
For just about any interests your child may have, with a little imagination, you should be able to come up some type of theme, that somehow fits in.
A few closing, but very important points!
The intent of this page is to help you to promote a good, gardening relationship with your child. As you and your child work together in your gardens, it should be a learning, helping and happy experience for both of you. Patience and understanding on your part is an absolute must, because gardening will be an entirely new world and concept for your child. You will have to accept a less than perfect garden... Does it really matter if the row is straight? A forgotten weed growing out there, surely wont hurt a thing!

With time, experience, and your caring guidance, your child will gain the knowledge and skills to create a garden which will impress even the most experienced gardener. For now, enjoy the company of your most precious asset in the world. Let them know what an excellent job they are doing, and how much help they are to you in the garden. Then give 'em a GREAT BIG OL' HUG, and stand back to admire the success of your gardening project together.

Don't ever forget to tell them how much you love them...... EVER!

Gardening Basic