Looking for ways to get your little one interested in gardening?

Making gardening fun and exciting for kids is key, so start out by doing things together that they enjoy—like picking flowers or planting seeds. Then, gradually introduce new tasks like weeding or watering plants. Be patient - eventually, they'll want to help out in the garden every day!  Here are some suggestions to make gardening even more enjoyable for both of you:

• Gardening may be one of the simplest things you can do to improve your environment and help reduce waste, but it's important to start teaching your child about gardening from an early age so they understand the importance of sustainable practices.  By growing their own plants they are also demonstrating responsible stewardship of the earth. Gardening together can be a fun and educational experience for both you and your child.

   

• Choose a garden area with plenty of sunlight and good soil drainage. Young plants need lots of sunlight to grow properly, so choose a location that will allow them plenty of exposure.  Plant tender young plants in the center of the garden, leaving space around them for larger plants to grow.   Water young plants regularly and fertilize them as needed. When planting bulbs, be sure to purchase a variety that is suited to your climate. Mulch your garden in the spring and fall to keep weeds from growing and conserve moisture. Give your plants a break in the winter by not watering as often.

• If you have a front porch or balcony, you can use it to grow flowers or vegetables. You can buy vegetable plants that are specifically designed for front porches or balconies, or you can grow your own. Some tips for growing vegetables on a front porch or balcony: Choose a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Plant your vegetable seeds in soil that is moist but not wet. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them when necessary. Keep pests away by spraying your plants with an insecticide before they become a problem.

• There are a few things that you will want to keep in mind as you plan to start your vegetable garden. First, it is important to choose the right location for your garden. Choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has fertile soil. Second, get started early in the season by planting seeds indoors or in containers. Once the plants have grown, you can transplant them outside into their final location. Finally, be sure to water your plants regularly and fertilize them when necessary. With these tips, you should be able to start a successful vegetable garden for children of all ages!

• Fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Water your plants thoroughly, but sparingly during the summer months.  It can be difficult to water plants when the temperatures are hotter than usual. Make sure you water your plants thoroughly, but sparingly during the summer months to avoid over watering and causing root rot.

Kids love to learn about plants and how they work. During June, we celebrate agriculture month and teach our children about plants as much as possible. One way we can do this is by having them help us in the garden. We can show them how to plant seeds, water the plants, and take care of them during their growing process. We can also have them help us harvest the fruits and vegetables that we have grown. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and connect them with the food they eat.