2007 Year in Review

Gardening with Children

Through gardening, children learn about nature and their role in it, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.

"Gardening helps them realize how they fit into the world and that peas and beans don't originate in the grocery store," said Martha Smith. "They learn that nature can be fickle and we are not in complete control, especially if a heavy rain washes away seedlings or rabbits munch on tender shoots.

<"Gardening also teaches patience. It takes time for seeds to sprout and children--along with adults--have to learn to wait."

Smith said a child's natural curiosity combined with adult guidance can lead to a life-long hobby.

"Kids have a natural curiosity for nature and the outdoors," she said. "They enjoy digging in the dirt, hunting for worms, and watching seeds grow. Cultivating this interest blossoms into a lifelong love of gardening.

"Often, I hear University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners talk about how as a child they were forced to weed, water, and pick unearthly amounts of produce from their family gardens, wondering all the while what adults found so appealing in a garden. Years later, the value has been realized and gardening has become a favorite pastime, hobby, or obsession."

Gardening provides lessons for both children and adults, she noted.

"When gardening with kids, remember that children garden for their own reasons, which are not necessarily the same reasons adults garden," she explained.

"Kids may not be crazy about harvesting beans or pulling weeds, but they love to water the garden--along with their shoes, and you, and the dog, and anything else that gets in the way of the hose.

"They enjoy spending time with adults, working alongside them and asking questions."

Adults need to be realistic in their expectations when gardening with kids. Don't expect perfection. Carrots will grow in uneven rows. Plant what the children like--this way the harvest will be a culinary success. Expecting a six-year-old to tend a 10-by-10-foot garden is a bit much. Start smaller and realize they can't do everything.

"Gardening also crosses over into other disciplines, including science and math, making activities in the garden a perfect way to teach children a variety of skills," she said. "Sharpen math skills by calculating the number of rows times the number of plants. Keep a count of yield, adding it up at the end of the year, keeping a written record to compare future plantings.

"Set a budget and keep track of money spent on the garden. How much are beans at the store and how much did you save by having a home garden? Compare flowers and how they differ from plant to plant. For younger kids, explore leaf and flower shapes, make leaf prints, and search for bugs."

Above all, she added, gardening will teach children one of life's biggest lessons: to be responsible.

"They soon learn that forgetting to water plants and pull weeds has consequences," she said. "Neglected plants won't do very well, while a well-tended garden can be a source of pride for children of all ages."

Children belong outdoors in the summer. Starting a children's garden project can be a win-win situation. Children have something to do throughout the summer and everyone is rewarded with fresh produce at harvest.

"Looking for resources to get ideas this winter for spring and summer gardening?" she asked. "Check out the National Gardening Association. You will find lots of ideas for gardening with kids. Youth grants for schools and organizations are available. They have a great catalogue offering a wide variety of resources.

"Another interesting website is I Can Garden. Be sure to check out its feature 'kidz corner.'"

by  Editor, theCity1.com
December 4, 2007