Teaching kids about the Importance of Organic Gardening
Organic gardening is much talk about the methods which are implemented have proven to be beneficial, this way of gardening teachers how to grow healthy promoting one’s health, however, the responsibility lays with us in passing this gardening method on to the next generation which I believe is so important.
We cannot afford to let this form of gardening die but continue to fan the flames through education that will allow this practice to continue to the next generation and generations to come becomes our very survival along with wildlife, beneficial insects, pollinators and our ecosystem is depending on us getting the word out. Pollinators play a major role in the creation and maintenance of our ecosystem which is so amazing.
What is also important about teaching our kids about gardening is spending that quality time with them which is so great strengthening both relationships. Below we will look at ways of involving our kids in this outdoor hobby that may bloom into their life work.
Education
It all starts with educating your kids, there are so many books that are sold along with information that can be Googled which are made available to you. This information though a few clicks away ( your internet) is so important for the next generation to grasp and implement.
Right now I’m writing to you and sharing my thoughts from my website which is information at your fingertips with just the click of the mouse. The internet is a great tool that can be used to educate so use it as you expand your children’s knowledge.
A trip to the plant nursery
This should get them excited, taking your kids to a plant nursery or garden center is a great way to educate them about the importance of gardening. They will be able to see the many colors, shapes, and sizes of different plant species which they will also be able to touch this alone should create interest.
Help them to select seeds, seedlings, or plants that are in your budget, kids like to get involved feeling like they are a part of or making a contribution. Again this will help to create interest causing them to throw themselves whole heartily in helping out in the garden.
Kids tools
Allow them to have their own tools to work within the garden this will foster a sense of pride that they have their own garden tools to work with.
Garden project
Working outside in the garden will keep them occupied as they learn, they will also be getting in on some exercise so when nighttime comes off to bed they go. But what is also great about a garden project is getting them involved in the planning process as they see their thoughts being used to help out.
Growing organic
We are not just growing any garden but an organic garden, from the soil to organic fertilizers and pesticides. This will give your kids the sense of growing a garden that is free of contamination which will impact the environment and ecosystem in a great way. The method that’s used will open up to them a whole new world.
Safety Equipment
Safety is so important when working in the garden so ensure that your kid(s) get plenty of rest the night before along with eating a good breakfast before heading off in the garden with you. A long pair of pants along with a long sleeve shirt, a hat, nice strong boots and gloves for their little hands is so important. A first aid kit should also be kept nearby, take breaks when needed.
Remember safety first, we want them not only to have fun but to be safe this makes working in the garden more enjoyable.
Give kids their garden space
This will really excite them, give them a little spot, their little garden will have them so proud which will teach them about being responsible. The joy they will have of watching the seeds they plant sprout and grow into full plants will have them smiling from ear to ear.
Weed control
Weeds will compete with garden plants for nutrients, sunlight, and water, if weeds are not dealt with will take over your garden. Because you’re growing organic the use of herbicides (weed killer) is a no-no. What you can do is to make a schedule. This schedule should be made to catch the weeds just as they emerge from the soil with a hoe lightly tilling the soil. The method used is great for teaching your kid(s) how to control weeds, the natural way.
Making the garden colorful
Helping them to make their garden colorful is a great way in keeping them excited and going, the use of colorful pop sickle which can be colored with markers, or paint can be used to mark areas where seeds are planted in rows. Each marker or pop sickle can be a different color with the name of the seeds.
Take photos
Have them take photos of their garden from start to finish at every stage so they can go back and view those photos of the progress they have made will have them feeling good and will build within them a sense of confidence that they can do anything they put their minds to. Who knows these photos may be used for a class project.
Additional information
Before choosing plants for the garden get the information on plant care, for seeds, the instructions will be on the package.
Kids in the kitchen
Another great idea in getting kid(s) involved in gardening is having them to grow an edible garden, (herb and vegetables) you can help them to harvest herbs or vegetables. Letting them eat what they grow will cause their interest to grow.
Including some of those veggies and herbs in your favorite recipes will have them excited, let them help you prepare meals or make salads with veggies and herbs from their little garden.
Kids flora arrangements
If they are growing flowers then let them make an arrangement which can be placed indoors, given to relatives, a teacher, a friend, or someone they’re close with. They will be so happy to see others enjoying their work while on display. Who knows you may spark and interest of a budding florist.
Easy plants to grow for a kids garden
Kid(s) can get impatient at times because of their curiosity and while many garden plants may take a while to sprout here are a few which are easy to grow so your little one(s) can see almost immediately some results of their effort spent working in their gardens.
Herbs
- Thyme
- Mint
- Chives
- Parsley
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Oregano
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Radishes
- Cucumbers
- Green beans
Flowering plants
- Marigold
- Sunflowers
- Pansy
- Geranium
- Zinnias
- Impatiens
- Cosmos
Career opportunities
There are so many career opportunities in this field and if they are interested you can be the one to get the ball rolling in the right direction. It is good to teach kids about the importance of sustaining one’s self through gardening and the major role it plays in our ecosystem both for humans and wildlife.
The final word on organic gardening for kids
Can you imagine a world where this field/hobby was avoided and not looked upon as being important where our very survival is depending I know that I can’t? The field of gardening is so vast and branches off into so many areas so let’s get involved along with our kids because our very survival is depending on working the soil and passing the baton to the next generation.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Teaching kids skills like the ones listed above is fantastic! It not only teaches them about gardening, but more importantly personal responsibility. This encourages kids to want to cook more using fresh herbs planted in the garden, and sharing those tips with other people. This gets other people excited and can inspire them to do the same thing or even branch out…no pun intended…to do something on their own. This does take a lot of time and effort, but it can really pay off in the long run. Kudos to you for writing this article!!!!
You are so right with what you said, thanks for stopping by and sharing. All the best to youand have a good day.
Having to get to know about the importance of organic garden is not so much available for everyone. But it would be nice for parents to know the importance of educating their kid(s) on the importance of organic garden. And it is great that you have written this article to deal with such topic. This article is worth reading and sharing. Great job!
So happy that you stop by and thanks so much for sharing.