There is something mystical about a home garden. Children have a built-in sense of wonder, and there is no better way to cultivate that then exploring the natural world. A home garden can be a lesson in responsibility, an opportunity to learn about the world around us, and a chance to really connect with your child, as you learn together. Not to mention the feeling of accomplishment and independence that comes with growing your own food. Generally, children who are involved in home gardens are more likely to eat the things they grow, making it a great way to introduce a healthier diet.
A successful home garden takes a little planning going into it. It’s a good idea to decide on a schedule beforehand, mapping out a time to set up the garden and then planning a weekly regimen to maintain it. Start small – pick a few different plants at first, choosing by what is most commonly eaten in your house and how suitable it is to our climate. From here you can explore different gardening techniques to suit your yard. Raised garden beds are ideal for producing large harvests on small properties, and plants like tomatoes, peppers and strawberries can be grown in hanging planters. Find the optimal soil composition for each plant, and adjust the nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), potassium (K) and pH of your soil to fit these plants requirements. Get scientific with it – the kids will love testing the soil and seeing how different nutrient effect the tests. Having properly balanced soil is essential to a successful garden.
Want to share the joy of gardening with other children? Ask your child’s school if they have considered starting a school garden. Most schools are open to the idea if they feel that parents will support the project. Contact your schools PTA and see if other parents would be interested in contributing to a school garden project. There are many local organizations in the area that would enjoy the opportunity to pass on their knowledge by sharing information, providing demonstrations and helping to maintain gardening projects. Plant the seeds of future generations and start a garden today!
