|
Project
#1 -- Small Vegetables
Sometimes with kids,
size really does matter. If they're underwhelmed with your attempts
to get them growing stuff, think small. If you were only 36"
tall, cucumbers would be longer than your leg and peppers half as
big as your face.
Scale the food to fit
the child. Lose the state fair mentality. Bigger is definitely not
better when gardening with kids. There are teeny vegetables for
any taste. As an added bonus, small varieties mature faster than
their all grown up cousins.
Start with a container
about knee-high to the child. Drainage, soil, and sun need to be
excellent - remember that success breeds happiness for young gardeners.
Organize with a theme,
like salad ingredients or spring flowers. Use transplants for quick
results, either home-grown or store bought. Make itsy-bitsy plant
markers. Edge with tiny flowers. How about little stone paths?
Help your youthful grower
recognize the changes that happen daily. Foiling "bad-guy"
insects takes sharp eyes and attention, but little time. When everything's
producing, have a meal to celebrate.
|
