Originally published Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 12:00 AM
How to get kids into gardening
The National Gardening Association has lots of ideas for getting kids interested in gardening at its Web site, www.kidsgardening.org. The site's editor, Barbara...
For The Associated Press
The National Gardening Association has lots of ideas for getting kids interested in gardening at its Web site, www.kidsgardening.org. The site's editor, Barbara Richardson, dug up these tips:
1. Since kids are prone to instant gratification, start with a flat of annual flowers. The rewards are immediate.
2. Gravitate toward unusual plants, such as pink potatoes, orange cauliflower or purple beans. Or focus on edible flowers and herbs, such as nasturtium and basil (be sure the plants do not come in contact with harmful fertilizers or sprays), and fragrant plants, such as lemon basil and orange thyme, to engage multiple senses.
3. Kids, even older ones, like hiding places, so grow one in the garden. Two ideas: Plant tall-growing (such as Mammoth) sunflower seeds in a circle, leaving a space for a "door" that kids can crawl through once the flowers have grown.
Or build a simple tepee out of fallen tree branches or long, gardening stakes, and plant bean seeds around the outside of it. Beans grow fast, and soon the children will have a secret hiding space.
4. A birdbath or a small, shallow pond will encourage critters such as frogs to enter your garden, which in turn might draw your children out there, too.
5. Notice the changes that take place in the garden and track them on a calendar, in a journal or with photographs. Pay attention to the birds and insects in your garden, too.
6. Build a scarecrow together. Build a birdhouse. Make personalized stepping stones to mark the pathway. Garden-related projects may lead to more time playing in the garden.
7. Plant a garden based on a favorite storybook. Richardson recommends "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "The Tale of Peter Rabbit."
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Clearing the air on duct cleaning and dust
Mattress makers try to lure us into bed with fragrance, soy and more
Should kids be forced into extracurricular activities?
Northwest Living: A Whidbey Island château would suit hobbits, too
Plant Life: Hedgerows offer variety and shelter to urban gardens

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Lt. governor's son shot by co-worker in Kent; gunman then shot self
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
261 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
261 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
200 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
141 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
129 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
127 - King County OKs 'don't ask' law on immigration
107 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
80 - 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
75 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
71
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect





