Gardening is not just for adults - in fact,
children love getting down in the dirt, digging,
giggling, and just feeling the warm earth.
Having their own very special garden is a
great way to get little gardeners started, older
children adding their favorites, and adults
watching, enjoying and learning as well.
If you have an old "red" wagon, sand box, or
toy box, simple drill some holes in the bottom
for drainage. Fill with good potting soil either
bought or from your own garden.
If it has wheels - all the better. If not, maybe
adding some is not too difficult.
This way the "moving garden" can go where
the sun is, stay out of the thunderstorms, and
be a focal point wherever your young land-scaper thinks is appropriate.
Make sure that the soil is kept damp. Not
too much water and don't let it dry out either.
What to plant: bedding plants are interesting
because they are quick growing and filled with
blooms, but miniature sunflowers, and marigolds
as well as pansies and other fast-growing flowers
will do the trick.
Even put in some "veggies." Cherry tomatoes,
green peppers, bush string beans, and other
good things to eat that your child can watch and
enjoy.
Herbs work too, such as parsley, chervil, etc.
How about a salad wagon? No, not at your local
deli - right there in your yard, on your patio, or
porch or even on your balcony. Fill with tomatoes,
lettuce of different varieties, radishes, onions, and
even a cucumber or two. Just enough to fill the
wagon and then let your "gardener" get the salad
for mealtime. Now that's a great way to get them to
enjoy a healthy salad - they grew it, believe me they
will eat it.
Whatever "type" of movable garden you help your
child create, it's fun, not a lot of work, and kids get
to watch things grow and even harvest them.
Just don't plant anything that could be dangerous to
inquisitive youngsters, like hot peppers.
Spend a little time in the garden with your family -
you won't regret it.
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2003 April
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