Kids Garden

If you have the room, create a garden just for the kids.  This could be a section of your garden or a separate area all together.  A part of your row garden or raised bed or a separate container garden can work.  But in any case be sure it is some how marked off as the kids garden.

Once you have the kids garden area set, help the kids prepare it at the same time you are preparing your garden.  Let the kids have the pride of doing it themselves whenever possible.

Once plot and its soil is prepared,  you need to pick quick growing seeds or plants.  Fast growing because the kids need quick results to stay interested.  Radish, lettuce, pole beans and peas are all fast growing.

You can always use some of the same seeds or transplants you use in your own garden.  A little competition can be healthy.

Let the kids maintain their  garden - weeding, watering, etc.  It should be successful because of their efforts not yours.  It is more rewarding if they do it themselves within safety limits. Show safe ways to garden with proper handling of tools, use of gloves and planting.

As their garden grows and their flowers or vegetables ripen, let the kids harvest their crops.  Compliment them on their results. Make a fuss about how good the harvest looks and in the case of vegetables how good they taste.

If your season is long enough, repeat the process. Are you ready to plant again?