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 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."