Of all the things growing in a garden, children are the most important. With April’s National Gardening Month recently concluded, spring remains an ideal time to discuss the need to teach youngsters about what unfortunately is becoming a lost art, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
“The benefits of encouraging a child to plant their own garden are numerous, long-lived and transformational,” Trinklein said.
Gardening is an excellent way for children to explore nature and the plant world through hands-on learning, he said. The practice encourages creativity and self-discipline while leading to a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
Additionally, children who grow their own vegetables in a garden have been found to consume more of them. The result is a healthier diet and a more active lifestyle.
“In short, there is no better way for children to grow than to plant a garden,” Trinklein said.
Trinklein offered several suggestions to make a child’s first gardening experience a success. He advised setting realistic, attainable goals so as not to overdo it when involving children for the first time. Even a relatively small plot planted with a mix of flowers and vegetables can instill an appreciation of nature and provide a place for fun learning activities.
Plant selection is also important. Carrots, radishes, lettuce and tomatoes are good vegetables to consider. If space permits, planting a pumpkin can make the garden experience last longer, as the fruit can be harvested for Halloween.
When choosing flowers, it is recommended to select annuals that are relatively easy to grow, such as zinnias, marigolds, celosia and sunflowers. Gardeners should include a few that can be used as cut flowers for the home or for special gifts. When establishing plants by directly seeding them, select species with relatively large seeds, such as beans and sunflowers, which are easier for children to handle.
Personalizing the experience can help children take special pride in having something that is their very own. Placing a sign in a child’s garden that lists their name, or making plant labels that designate specific crops, promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility.
City families can still create meaningful gardening experiences for children without an outdoor plot. Vegetables and flowers can be successfully grown in pots and containers. A container garden on a balcony, patio or deck can produce an abundance of crops and often makes the task of tending plants easier.
The miracle of watching a plant emerge from a seed is a process that fascinates most children, Trinklein said. Colorful pictures can help them imagine what will eventually grow where the seeds have been sown.
Keeping weeds in check is a bit more of a challenge. Because it can be difficult at first to tell small garden plants from small weeds, Trinklein suggested allowing plants to grow a little before showing youngsters the difference. He advised characterizing weeds as bullies that want to take food and water away from the good plants.
Gardening also provides an opportunity for parents to talk with their children. While discussing how plants grow is important, the privacy and quiet of a garden also make it an excellent place to talk about school, friends, hopes and dreams. Hearing a child’s thoughts helps parents guide their personal growth alongside their gardening growth.
“Whether you are in a city, suburb or rural area, the future of our children is a concern to all,” Trinklein said. “Instilling love, respect and understanding of how nature works by gardening produces results that last a lifetime.”
This information was adapted from an article by the National Garden Bureau.
