Spring is on its way! Take advantage of more time outside with your child by starting a garden. Vegetable gardening is a great way to introduce many concepts like biology, ecology, botany, math and so much more. Plus, the process allows your child to see where food comes from. If you have a picky eater, this is also a great way to get them interested in eating what they grow.
Whether you have a spacious area to plant rows of fruits and vegetables or you’re working with a few herbs in a pot, here are some tips to get you started.
Do Your Research
Check out your local library and pick up gardening books for you and your child. While you’re there, see if the branch has a seed library where you can get seeds for free. Check them out at the Cincinnati Public Library and the Dayton Metro Library. Your local garden centers can also help lead you in the right direction. Use their expertise to pick the type of produce that is easy to grow in your area and learn what containers will work best.
Keep Goals Simple
Start with one or two different kinds of seeds. Then, let your child have fun with the process. Allow them dig, to place seeds in holes and eventually pick the fresh produce. Will they accidentally pour 12 seeds in one hole? Will they accidentally crush the perfect tomato in their hands? Probably. It’s all part of the process. The important thing is that they see how food is grown and have fun doing it.
Say “Yes” as Much as You Can
Allow your child to fill up the watering can, carry supplies and taste the end product. Your child may be excited to help at first but then lose interest when tasks like weeding take longer than they thought. Assign tasks but also allow them to play nearby when they want. Remember to have fun outside and embrace the joy of growing together.
Eat What You Grow
When children see the process that goes into growing food, they’re more likely to try it. Gardening doesn’t just allow them to learn, it makes them more adventurous when trying new food. Make new recipes together that use the vegetables from your garden and see their face light up when they realize they not only grew the food, but also helped cook it.
With spring on the horizon, gardening can ensure children have hours of fun and education. Plus, gardening has many physical, mental and emotional health benefits for the whole family.