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Gardening 1-2-3

Gardening 1-2-3
Growing your food at home:  It can seem intimidating or laborious, but maybe it’s not as complicated as you think. It’s also a great activity to do with children.  Gardening:
  • Engages all of the senses
  • Encourages healthy eating
  • Enhances fine motor development
  • Introduces children to scientific concepts
  • Teaches responsibility
  • Develops math skills
  • Teaches patience

1.Getting Started


So, what do you need to get started?  Seeds, soil, water, and small containers.  That’s it!  All of these items can be purchased at the Dollar Tree and seed packets are only 25 cents apiece.  Each packet will have instructions on the back explaining how deep to plant the seeds in the soil, how long they should take to germinate, and what months are best for growing that specific plant.  Don’t forget to label what each cup contains!


*Toilet paper rolls can be used as seed starter containers!  This is a great way to recycle and the rolls can be placed directly in the soil when it’s time to plant since cardboard is biodegradable! 

2.Space

If you have the space, clear a designated section of your yard for planting and get the kids involved.  What seems like a dirty chore to us can be a lot of fun for children.  Don’t you remember making mud pies as a child?  Not all gardens have to be a square in your yard.  In fact, you can have a garden living in an apartment space with no land at all!  Here are several different container ideas you can use in lieu of a “typical” garden space:  

  • Stacked Tires- If you have a small space, old tires can be stacked and filled with dirt, allowing you to grow your garden up instead of requiring a large space
  • Hanging Baskets- These are also something you can purchase from the Dollar Tree.  Hang them outside or in front of a window.


*Tomatoes and basil are great garden companions as seen in this picture.  Basil plants help tomato plants overcome insects, disease, and enhance flavor.  Click here for more ideas: Companion Planting
  • Tin Cans-  Recycled food and coffee cans and turn them in to planters.
  • Pallets- Remember the wooden pallet craze not too long ago?  They can easily be converted into a planter and many places will give them away for free. 
  • Buckets- Some stores and restaurants, such as Dunkin Donuts or Sam’s Club, will give 5 gallon buckets away for free.  All you have to do is ask!


3.Watch it Grow

After your seeds are established, maintenance is relatively easy.  Keep your plants watered regularly and make sure they are getting plenty of sunlight.  If you aren’t using containers, be sure to pull any weeds that may pop up.  (These are all great responsibilities you can give to your kids!)  Be patient and enjoy!  *Typically, vegetables take anywhere between 70-120 days to grow!


-Ms. Jennifer



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