As soon as that school bell rings on the last day of classes, kids just rush out of their rooms, excited of the freedom they experience once more and the new lessons they will learn along in the summer. But what activity exactly should they spend time on in these three warm months?
Why not introduce them to the world of gardening? From preparing the soil, planting seeds, selecting the plants and finally watching them grow is entertaining and educational to children because their curiosity is piqued and the possibilities of nature gleaned.
Plans
The planning phase for the organic garden is entirely different from a conventional one. The area should be substantially smaller than the one the gardener is used to. For a child as young as 2 to 4 years old, planting as few as a couple of tomatoes will be a wonderful new world for the child even though it seems so small and insignificant to the adult. You should remember not to overwhelm the child, but tease his/her imagination and let the child ponder on what's going to happen next, taking in every moment of the plants growth.
Not only will it be beneficial for kids, it also help avoid weeds that may grow in the area since they only thrive in large spaces. These miniature vegetable gardens help in more ways than you could imagine.
Soil Preparation and Discovery
Soil preparation is arguable one of the most fun moments a child can have in gardening. Digging the ground with a rather large spoon thrills the child because not only will a new experience will be felt, the child also gets to interact and have fun with the adult. After you've opened up a reasonably sized crevice on your garden, you should make the soil healthier by putting some compost or peat. Teach the child how these rather pungent and seemingly useless things contribute to the plants growth. This will help the child appreciate the intricacies of life in general.
If you don't live in a suburb, where lawns are rather customary and commonplace, but in a townhouse or an apartment. A small corner in a balcony is will be sufficient space for both the child and you to work. You'll be surprised by the rather fresh image of a bright-colored plant on your balcony when you see it at the break of day. Tomatoes are a good choice for a balcony plant given its fresh-looking nature. Peppers and beans also do well in small containers.
Adjust Accordingly for Older Children
If the child is older, more in the lines of five to eight years old, you should extend the rather cramped garden with only two plants that I described to a more adequately sized one. More varieties should be in place, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and many more. Don't forget to put some flowers along the side, making the garden as beautiful as possible for the child's admiration. A rule of making a garden for the child is to make the varieties as different as possible, making the garden multi-colored and enchanting as possible. Make sure that it entices all five senses, from sight to smell.
At this age, children aged from five to eight can grasp the more complex rules of organic farming, namely crop rotation and biological control. Seeing how the cycle of life takes place in their very eyes is insightful and enchanting for a child that age. And seeing how some insects prey on pests that harm plants also give the kids a little more appreciation for bugs, seeing them in a better light as opposed to children who are used to seeing cockroaches getting squished relentlessly by their older brother.
Conclusion
Children learn faster when they use all their five senses, taking in everything that comes their way. Kids love it and giving them an experience that uses all that, while creating a parent-child bond that lasts for more than you can imagine.
Organic gardening can also be a wonderful experience for the family, all playing a role in creating and designing the best garden possible. All it takes is a little research and a whole lot of dedication and support from the family. Relationships are strengthened by doing things together, and you can do that with your child or even your whole family by taking some time off to make a garden.
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