Gardening with Children

~ By Gardening Committee Members ~

Gardener Kythera Ann submitted this topic for our General Discussion this month: "Design a simple project that Parents or Grandparents could do with children (under 10 years old) that would help teach them something about plants."

Now in fairness if you are expecting to read all about specific garden plot measurements; step by step instructions accompanied by a list of seeds you will definitely be pleasantly surprised. Read on and enjoy :)

Aletha ~ I can only say what I did as a parent with my children and what my Dad did with us as we were growing up and how some of these things with you. As for me growing up we grew up in the city and lived on a city lot which was 130 feet x 30 feet but we owned 2 lots and we had also had the lot next to us that we could use. We had one lot with the house and garage on it and the lot next to us that was planted as half vegetable and half fruit garden and the lot next to that making a total of 390 feet x 90 feet which in the city is considered one lot … continued

Diane ~ Wow I don't know where to begin: I don't remember helping my father. I didn't have the same relationship with him as Aletha did. And as far as Grand Parents I didn't have Grand Parents growing up. I don't have much of a memory of them because I was very young. We didn't see our one Grand Mother often even though she was down the block. My Mother's mother passed by the time I was about six, she lived with our Aunt so we didn't have much contact with them … continued

Julie ~ I would have to say that the easiest way to teach a child to understand about plants would be to show and name the plants you are going to pick for a particular recipe you are cooking. Bring them inside, wash them and tell your child why you are doing this, to get the dirt and whatever off them … continued

Kythera Ann ~ There are many things one can do to help children get excited and learn about nature. My parents never did anything with me, which is why I think I was so focused on helping kids and of course my own to get involved. The reality is though, that a huge proportion of youth lives in cities, where cement and asphalt rules. They associate nature with the mountains, the ocean, National Geographic and perhaps, if they are lucky, summer camps, family vacations, or … continued

Lenekathinka ~ Our children are growing up where we have a big garden (one acre). We have many different red Currant bush, black Currant, Goose berry, Strawberry, Apple, Pear, Cherry trees and a lot different vegetables along with a big lawn. I loved to make my own jam and I still do. I say to my children if you will help mum you can earn some money. (Smile) Particularly our oldest son was very good to do that so his little brother learned a lot from his big brother … continued

Gardnbee ~ Thinking back to my own childhood while moving with my Great Grandmother on Dad's side of the family; my parents; Nature and all things related to it; I recall what a huge significance these influences had on me, not only in those days, but right up to this present moment … continued

         

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