K I D S by Rambling Rose

K - is for kids, I - is for insects, D - is for dirt, S - is for seeds

What a perfect combination for the coming spring and summer.

From toddlers to teenagers gardening can be a fun, fulfilling and, dare I say, educational experience.

A small plot of dirt in a sunny patch, an old plastic swimming pool (holes for drainage), pots or burlap bags can all be converted into a first-time plot.

It's a simple formula, kids, dirt, sunshine and imagination. Add enthusiasm and gently stir.

Ask the child what they would like to grow and why.  Make a list, some may not be possible, but chances are several will be right on as you help guide to those choices – three to six are plenty for the first time.

Whatever the age let the child be engaged.  When my son was a toddler he wanted to grow carrots for his pony and liked marigolds.  He had a 3'x3' area in my veggie garden.

He raked and planted his seeds and watched them sprout, even though he was a bit impatient at times. He loved pulling up the carrots and sharing with his horse, Baby Sabre.

My point is he chose something that was important to him. And so it should be.

The first garden should be small, easy to care for, with plants that are easy to grow.

Hopefully the adults have some knowledge but if they are new too then it is a family adventure for sure.

A sunny place with access to water is essential. Good dirt and compost come next. Preferably protected from the deer and bunnies that inhabit the island. A temporary chicken wire fence works fine. Also, a chicken wire tepee is even better. The child can go into their secret place.

Choosing between plants or seeds is personal. I believe both together work well. Seeds to watch the miracle of plant life and a few starts to get excited right away.

Radishes from seed take about 5 days to germinate and are ready to eat in less than a month. Mesclun mixes for greens are good to start from seed too.

Growing potatoes in a big pot or bag is easy. Seed potatoes are at stores now, though I have used ones from my pantry for years.

Carrots take about 60 days but taste so good, start from seed. If there is enough room along a fence or the house, try one or two pumpkins. They sprawl so keeping them in a separate place is important.

I have always put flowers in veggie patches. Plant a row or two of marigolds to attract beneficial insects to the area. These are good to buy as plant starts in the little 4-packs.

Snow peas and a cherry tomato plant are good choices too. Tomatoes can be purchased at any nursery and again, a larger plant that produces earlier.

Some kids don't like fresh veggies but once they taste something they grew, well it's magic.

Any questions or ideas please share, I am happy to learn new things and share my 60+ years of experience.

I like Thomas Jefferson's quote, " Tho’ an old man, I am but a young gardener."