Kids Gardening, Starting From Seeds
All Children are naturally curious about the world around them
. In the spring I find kids are most curious as new life is budding out all around them. It's so touching when a small child runs to a dandelion and wants to pick as many as they can to make a special bouquet just for you. They take a small dandelion that is pretty much hated by most adults and turn it into a beautiful bouquet! And if it's a dandelion that has gone to seed watch out as they blow all those little seeds off into your grass to multiply! Oh the many ways in which little ones love dandelions.Since little ones are already curious about the world around them, this is the perfect time to teach them the wonders of gardening. (It's also a great excuse to buy more plants or seeds.)
When teaching little ones remember their attention span does not last very long, so you want to start a small project.
Supplies:
.Seeds **
.Lightweight potting mix
.Container/tray
.Fork or Spoon (plastic or otherwise, for transplanting seedlings)
.Piece of plastic wrap if tray/container has no lid
.Flower pots or containers if not planting directly into garden
**Because kids are a bit impatient to see things happen, I recommend growing plants that germinate quickly. Marigolds, sunflowers, nasturtiums or black-eyed Susans are all quite beautiful and if you want to plant vegetables try pumpkin, radishes, beans or cucumbers as they all sprout fast and are easy to grow.
When starting with seeds you can either buy specially designed peat pots which are very easy to use, or greenhouse like containers that come with everything you need, some even include seeds. There are many choices to choose from and a range of prices to fit most budgets and can be found at your favorite local home and garden store.
If using a purchased container or peat pots, just follow the directions given on the package. They are usually self explanatory and easy to follow. When gardening with children, let your children do as much as you think they can. You might want to help them control the amount of water they use as little ones tend to over water.
I tend to recycle egg cartons, plastic take home containers with lids, yogurt containers and add my own potting soil. By using recycled containers it teaches our children to take care of our environment, while saving money at the same time.
If you are into recycling containers as I am, simply help your child fill the container/tray with a potting mixture just about 1/2 an inch below the lip of the container. Some people like to plant the seeds in dry soil, but I like to wet the soil before planting the seeds to prevent them from spilling out along with the first watering. Once you and your child have the potting mixture in the container/tray and have moistened it, you are ready to start planting your seeds. You may be surprised at the different sizes of seeds. Some are quite large and others you can barely see. Let the child plant the larger seeds, and then help them sprinkle the small seeds. It's not necessary to poke them down or cover them very deep. Just lightly cover the seeds with the potting mix. Now it's time to cover the tray with the lid or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Making sure it is not in direct sunlight, as you don't want the delicate new sprouts to burn as they begin to grow.
Once the seeds start to sprout take the top or plastic wrap off. Now all you do is keep the soil warm and moist and watch your little ones excitement as the little sprouts start to grow! Keep the seedlings in a warm spot turning the tray every couple days in order to help them grow up straight. Once they reach two to three inches in height and have developed good leaves (approximately 2-3 weeks) you can thin them or transplant the seedlings. You will want to transplant them directly into the garden, flower pots, or decorative containers in order to allow good root growth. To transplant seedlings carefully take them out of the container/tray with a fork or spoon trying not to disturb the tender roots. When watering lightly fertilize every other watering and watch your little ones be amazed at what they helped produce!
By gardening with your kids you are sharing time, giving them special attention that makes them feel loved, and developing a sense of responsibility. I hope you enjoy the time spent with your kids gardening.
That's all there is to it!
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