Whether it’s digging holes in the yard or splashing around in mud puddles, kids love dirt; and wherever dirt is, a child will find it. Children are curious about everything, especially when it pertains to nature; but how do you feed this inquisitiveness without having to reseed the lawn? Encourage them to plant a garden instead.
One of the best ways to encourage enthusiasm for gardening is by creating a garden theme. A theme can be based on a favorite game, story character, place, animal, hobby, or even an educational focus. Let them choose the theme and allow them to be involved in deciding where and what to put in the garden. Let them help with soil preparation, seed planting, and routine maintenance.
Appeal to their senses. Kids not only enjoy plants having various shapes and colors but those with which they can taste, smell, and touch. Vegetable gardens are always a good choice. They not only germinate quickly but can be eaten once they have matured. Kids enjoy planting seeds, watching them sprout, and eventually harvesting what they have grown. Children love to touch soft, fuzzy plants. Appeal to these needs with plants such as lamb’s ear or cotton. Don’t forget sounds; adding unique features such as water fountains and wind chimes will often spark additional interest.
Kids enjoy crafting, and gardening is a wonderful way to explore creative ideas from items in the garden. For instance, after harvesting, gourds can be decorated and used as birdhouses. Fresh cut flowers can be used in bouquets, while dried flowers and leaves can be used in decorating wreaths, stationery, etc. Giving children the opportunity to display their art within the garden also increases interest and strengthens their sense of pride.
There is no greater joy than that from a child who has cultivated plants from his or her own garden. Children love nature and using their imagination; and with a little encouragement, these can be put together to create a fun-filled garden of their very own.
