Get those Kids into the Garden!

Award-winning author D.S. Venetta lives in Central Florida with her husband and two children.
It was volunteering in her children’s Montessori school garden that gave rise to her new series Wild Tales & Garden Thrills, stories bursting with the real-life experiences of young gardeners. Children see the world from a totally different perspective than adults and Venetta knows their adventures will surely inspire a new generation to get outside,
and get digging.

Now that it’s spring, it’s time to get those kids outside (and into the garden). You won’t have to pull or push them. You won’t have to bribe or cajole them. Seriously! Kids LOVE to garden. And they make great “weed warriors.” We’re not just talking boys here, but girls, too. This is the twenty-first century, you know. Equal opportunities abound!

Which means, weeding, watering, feeding, plucking, and picking—as in harvest; their absolute hands-down favorite time in the garden. Except of course when there are critters involved. Then the wildlife commands a child’s full and utmost attention. Well, critters are interesting. Even the slimy ones. Okay. Especially the slimy ones.

And while you understand the value of entertainment in facilitating any chore, the real trick is pulling the wee ones away from the wriggly beasts and back to the business of gardening. I’m confident you’ll succeed. After all, you know their hot button (which comes in handy during negotiations!).

As does their energy. And if you hand a child their very own pair of gloves, perhaps include a shovel and bucket then point to the industrious bee hovering about the blossoms, why, you’ll have them clearing that garden of weeds and on their way to harvest in no time!

Afterward, why not create corn husk dolls together, make your very own fruit preserves, and talk about the beautiful ladybug you spotted on a vine and how she contributes to the garden? You can even teach your child the value of sustainable gardening by encouraging him or her to save the seeds from their harvest. Either way, your backyard garden can be a wonderful source of quality time with your children.

With summer approaching, invite your kids to think of ways they can demonstrate their appreciation for their teachers using produce from their garden. The same way moms prefer a gift of artwork over diamonds on Mother’s Day, teachers enjoy receiving gifts from the heart. Besides, they have nowhere to put another “World’s Best Teacher” inscribed paperweight (though they will properly smile and coo over the gift, nonetheless).

Creativity and children go hand-in-hand with nature and gardening. And once they’re bitten by the “bug” (read: “joy of gardening” bug and not one of those icky, black ones), they’ll clamor to plant again next season. It’s worth a try, anyway. I don’t know about you, but after a while, shelling beans rubs my fingers raw. But kids? Put them in front of their favorite television show and you’ll have a basket of freshly-shelled beans in no time! I do love starting new traditions. For more fun things to do with kids in the garden, visit my website: dsvenetta.com

http://dsvenetta.com/teachers-parents/corn-husk-dolls-craft-for-kids/
https://bloominthyme.com/recipes/sweet/strawberry-preserves/
http://dsvenetta.com/teachers-parents/seed-saving/

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