The Farm to Early Child Education and Farm to School movements are finally being seen as more than just trendy! While lots of schools and child care programs are realizing the benefits of incorporating gardening into their children’s day, many parents are beginning to catch on and are starting their own gardens at home.
One of the many great things about family gardening is that you can do it almost anywhere. You can choose to start small or big, in the ground or in containers, on a farm or in the city, grow from seeds or start with transplants; there’s not one set path for all!
Gardening Sounds Like a Lot of Work and Maintenance. Why Should You Do It? Here Are Just a Few Reasons:
Growing your own vegetables encourages children to eat healthier and try more foods.
Gardening together with your child promotes family bonding and teaches responsibility.
Including your child in the process of planning, planting and tending your garden fosters their cognitive development.
Teaching your children to eat what they grow sows the seeds for them to become environmental stewards.
Gardening can help decrease your weekly grocery budget as you will eat more of what is in season from your own garden!
Fresh foods taste better and pack more nutrients.
When and How Do You Get Started?
Believe it or not, February is the perfect time for you to plan your spring garden. On average, you’ll see your last spring frosts at the end of March or mid-April. You can check your state’s important frost and planting dates in The Old Farmer’s Almanac or through your local horticultural /agricultural extension office.
Once you figure out your planting calendar, you then need to decide if you are going to plant seeds inside to later transplant or begin with seedlings you purchase from a local farmer or gardening center. Next, decide on what vegetables you are going to include and the best location for your garden. These are all decisions that you can discuss with your child and make together.
How Can You Get Your Child Excited and Involved?
Include them from the very beginning! Make them a part of the process from planning to harvesting.
Coordinate a scavenger hunt for them to find the supplies and materials needed to get started.
Visit local farms, farm stands and gardening stores to look over items and get ideas.
Enlist their help in finding the perfect spot for your garden.
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