Getting Dirty with the Kids

I'm fairly new to gardening since growing up in a small neighborhood, my parents didn't have the time, space or energy to put into a garden. I never had the opportunity to learn first hand what it meant to grow something from a tiny seed into something to nourish your body. Now that I'm grown with children of my own, I wanted to teach them the amazing lessons gleaned from growing something in the garden. Getting the kids in the garden provides a number of positive benefits.

1. A child is more likely to eat a new food if they have a hand in growing it.
2. Increase quality time (and your invaluable influence) with you kid by gardening together.
3. Teach them responsibility by giving them a portion of the garden only they tend.
4. Give them a skill they'll be able to use regardless of the economic status.

As for me and my kids, we're learning together. All of us were amazed when we saw green beans ready for picking last year. The squash from our garden was even tastier than any we've ever eaten. And we were all slightly disappointed the garden didn't produce bushels of produce! I wish I knew about the National Gardening Association when I started my garden last year.

I received their Spring newsletter today. It's full of great stories focused on getting kids in the garden. I really enjoyed the article on "Kid Friendly" plants for the garden. After reading this article, I'm definitely getting Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantine), Ground Cherry (Physalis pruinosa), and the Tickle Me (Mimosa pudica) plants.

The National Gardening Association is a non profit organization focusing on plant-based education. They give grants and awards to schools and youth across the country to teach kids about the wonders of gardening. I'm hoping we can find a little extra in our budget this month to contribute to this great organization.

I'm so glad I can teach MY children these wonderful lessons. After reading the newsletter, I was inspired to get J-Man to help start some watermelon seeds for transplanting when the weather warms a bit more. I can hardly wait till our produce is ready to harvest!

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