Welcome to

Jr. Gardeners

Remember the first time you planted a seed and saw the first

leaves break the surface of the soil? Pass that thrill on to a

child in your life! The benefits of getting young children

excited about gardening are endless. Children feel the same

joy, satisfaction, pride and relaxation working in the garden

that we do!

Let them begin with a pot or a small spot in the garden. Let

them pick the seeds( narrow the choices before allowing

them the final choice). Allow them to plant, water and tend

their "garden" as you do yours. This is a great time to teach

them how to gently remove weeds, the importance of sunlight

and rain. So many valuable lessons to be used later in life

can be taught in the garden- especially patience.

The time spent with a child in the garden will help keep lines of

communication open in difficult times.

Keep in mind, we only have one earth. Children who begin

caring for growing things at an early age will care for the

earth's resources as adults.

And just think how nice it will be to have some help with

the weeding!

Here is a great activity for children of almost any age:

Sunflower House

Pick a spot in the yard, which you can devote for the summer,

about 5 ft. square works well(but you can make it any size

you like). With a hoe or small tiller, make a row down

2 or 3 sides of the area you have chosen. These will be the

walls of the house. You can leave one end open or if you are

using a small are, leave both ends open for a cooler interior.

Allow the children to plant sunflower seeds in the open row,

closest to the interior. Let them plant a mix of seeds beside

the sunflower seeds on the outer edge. You can even mix in

some veggies here. Peas and cucumbers enjoy climbing the

sunflower stalks as do cheerful morning glories, with some

marigold seeds mixed in, you're set to have a lovely little

summer playhouse (or for boys, a jungle clubhouse). Cover

the seeds with soil and water. You can count on a summer of

fun for the kids for little or no cost. All of the seeds

needed can be picked up at local dollars stores and usually

are 10pks/$1.

If you have great ideas or activities for young gardeners-

please share them with us!