Planting a garden with a child can provide many benefits. Planting seeds may help spark learning for children and may also lead to an interest in trying new foods if they grow them. The key to successfully growing seeds and gardening with children is having realistic expectations and proper preparation. Make gardening fun and children will naturally learn along the way. Planting and gardening skills may vary depending on the age of the child.
Preparation
Preparation and education before planting seeds may help ensure that the seeds will grow. Read about gardening zones and know what will grow successfully for the area where you live. Plant seeds during the normal growing season.
Seed Options
Let the child decide what to plant. Giving children the decision-making power is a great way to keep them interested in what is growing. Good options for children to grow include sunflowers, radishes, snow peas, lettuce and cherry tomatoes because these plants are quick growing, according to eartheasy.
Where to Plant
Children can plant seeds in many different areas, depending on what they are growing. Schools can help kids plant seeds in small cups to carry home and transfer later. Parents may make a child garden in the yard for the child to plant seeds. Another option is to plant seeds in a pot that can hold seeds on a patio or in a windowsill. Children enjoy bright, colorful items. Plant seeds in brightly colored pots or put garden ornaments in the area. Give children a garden space that belongs to them and they can plant and grow what they want in the way they choose---kids care much less than adults if the rows are straight.
Planting
Prepare the soil for planting the seeds. Till soil in the ground --- if that is where the plants will go --- and let the child help. Follow specific instructions for planting depth and spacing depending on what vegetable or flower the child wants to plant. Let the child dig a small hole in the soil and drop a few seeds into the hole. Replace the soil back over the seeds. Allow the child to water the soil. Further watering depends on the needs of individual plants.
Considerations
Because plants grow slowly, children may become bored with the project. Keep chores associated with gardening fun and not tiresome. Get children involved with weeding but limit the chore to the capability and attention span appropriate for the age of the child, according to kidsgardening.org. Purchasing child-size gardening equipment may also help.
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