TINY GREEN THUMBS
Gardening is considered one of America's greatest pastimes.
People enjoy going out and communing with nature. They like the
feel of the earth between their fingers and the excitement of
seeing tiny sprouts and plants opening up to drink in the
sunshine and the warmth. It just makes you feel good inside.
How about letting your child experience the joys of gardening?
No matter where you live, you can introduce gardening and the
miracle of plant life to your child. They will thrill to see
their seeds sprout and grow. That very first strawberry, pickle,
or parsley leaf will bring true delight and amazement to them.
You would be instilling in your child a love of nature, an
appreciation for life, and the knowledge that with a little work
and care, you can grow food, flowers, and other things of
beauty.
Begin with small, fast-growing plants. A child's attention span
is still limited so long, slow growth may lose its appeal.
Strawberry plants are a perfect way to introduce your child to
the wonder of how that ruby-red berry in his/her cereal grew. A
small patch of ground that will allow the plant to grow and
spread its "fingers" will amaze your child with each day's
accomplishments. Then when that first flower appears, the
prospect of a strawberry grows, and then finally that first
berry becomes a reality. Aw, the taste of the first berry you
ever grew contains untold feelings of victory.
Other great plants are cucumer, parsley, lettuce, green onions,
and yes, even a corn stalk or two. If space is limited, try
container gardening. Even something as simple as a large coffee
can with holes in the bottom for drainage, some good soil, and
the wonder begins. Allow your child to do the work - water,
weed, and care for the plant. If you do everything, then the
accomplishment he/she feels will not be the same. A tiny hand
can hold a small watering can, and it can pick out pesky weeds.
Bright, little eyes will glow with each new growth until harvest
time arrives. Lettuce can be picked for suppertime, and that
salad will take on a whole new meaning.
Older children can be given more space and a wider variety of
plants to choose from. Carrots, beets, green peppers, and
pumpkins are sure-fire choices. Whatever the age of your child,
they can begin to enjoy the joys of gardening right alongside
their mom or dad. Please have a camera ready when they see that
first "success".