Get Your Hands in the Dirt

Gardening can be such a fun family project, so why not get your hands dirty this weekend? Children develop a curiosity about nature and the natural world when they participate in hands-on activities in this realm.

Planting seeds or small plants is only the beginning of many follow up gardening activities. First, decide what you want to plant - flowers, vegetables, or herbs? You could plant in your yard - a sunny part - or in pots. The process, experience and lessons are the same. Remember carrots and radishes grow quickly from seed even in a large pot. And cherry tomatoes produce a lot of cute child-sized tomatoes that would enjoy harvesting. As you plant, talk about the depth of the hole, enriching the soil if necessary, what fertilizer will do, and what you expect to happen and when. If you are lucky you will see an earthworm and can talk about how beneficial they are to a garden. oh, and the importance of the bees!

                

Measurements can be taken and recorded and observations can be made as to when shoots come out of the ground, how many inches and how fast different types plants grow, or when a tomato plant gets their tiny yellow flowers. They will be so excited when they spot their first tomato or squash or green bean. Anything a child sees and comments on is definitely noteworthy. Their eyes are much fresher than ours, especially if you, like me, are a seasoned gardener. We can play the growing season movie in our brain, but if they have not previously been a part of planting and growing, everyday brings forth new little miracles for them to discover. Charting, graphing, journaling with or without pictures, or making up a song provide an opportunity for children to hone skills and make sense of data.

                                    
                   Baby blueberries                1st tomatoes following yellow flowers

Gardening can also lead to great discussions about where our food comes from. We have some great farmers' markets around town, so maybe you have been before as a family. If not, when our social distancing allows, be sure to visit one. Talk to the farmers and let your children know these people grew what you are buying to eat. An added bonus is that children are more likely to eat what they grew or what they bought from a farmer they met!

Here are some ideas to introduce new foods into your child's diet:
Carrots, cherry tomatoes and bell pepper strips dipped in ranch dressing
Fruit salad with some new fruit added to ones they already eat
Corn on (or off) the cob
Zucchini muffins

Happy digging and growing!