Justin Newcombe shares top tips on how to get the kids into gardening.
There are many, many programmes available in and out of schools designed to get your kids excited about gardening, and spring school holidays are a great time to get them started. Programmes like Garden to Table are proven internationally to get kids involved and engaged in the food they eat and where it comes from. Although this is a school-based programme, one of the research findings was that the increased enthusiasm generated in the kids at school followed them home. In the age of the internet, game box, TV, mobile phones and a myriad other electronic distractions, introducing kids to gardening and keeping them enthused sounds like it could be pushing the proverbial uphill.
But I've found that's not quite the case. Kids are naturally inquisitive and enjoy trying new things. However, they're also impatient and though gardening offers new worlds for them to explore, it takes time for a garden to grow. My kids have spent a lot of time in the garden and garden fatigue can set in. But here's what I've noticed gets them going and what turns them off.
Firstly, kids want gratification - instant gratification so keep your gardening sessions short. Colourful planters and pots create a lot of interest, especially in the initial stages. I've found a colourful watering can seems to encourage the habit of watering, while a bright broom encourages sweeping. Positioning the garden close to the house or main living areas will encourage more interest as changes in the garden will be noticed and it will become more relevant (out of sight, out of mind). Make sure your kids' gardengets the most favourable conditions with lots of sun and good soil. It is tempting to try to hide their efforts away in case it all looks a bit messy but poor conditions will only lead to poor results and a poor experience. Make the garden look exciting with bold signage they've painted themselves, brightly painted stakes and tools and plenty of plants.
Plant things that will introduce insects, like swan plants, for example, which attract monarch butterflies. You could also add a bird bath and bird feeder.
