Gardening With Your Child: 2

[caption id="attachment_14301" align="alignleft" width="300"] Michelle Obama & Sam Kass show students how to plant a garden[/caption]

Bob Ewing - The cold snap has broken which is good; however, it is snowing and has been all day which is normal. The temperature is mild and the snowflakes are big, wet and heavy. The contractor just plowed the driveway, and there is now a ten foot high mound of snow sitting right where the garden bed is; well at least the soil is warmer than it would be without snow.

There will be a t least one more snowfall before the season ends. This usually happens in mid-March around Saint Patrick’s Day. After that the wind, rain, and warming weather gradually diminish the snow. About two months later, usually June 10, it is time to move the tomato, green pepper and cucumber seeds outdoors. Before the June date there is a danger of frost or at least cold nights, and these three do not like the cold.

When it comes to growing tomatoes, green peppers and cukes, I will take one of two approaches; either I buy seedlings in late May from a local supplier or I start them indoors around the first of May, six weeks before the plants are moved outdoors.

I prefer to start my garden from seed; this way I feel a deeper connection with the plant and the process. However, for a number of reasons this is not always doable. Two years ago, I did not have a space indoors where I could place the starter pots.

I usually grow six of each plant, and so need room for 18 small pots. The place where I put those pots must get at least six hours of sunlight per day, eight is better for the plant’s development.

In addition to sufficient light and warmth, the seeds need healthy soil, organic potting soil is best and water. At this stage they need your attention, especially when it comes to water; too much and they will rot, too little and they will grow weak, if at all.

Preparing the pots for planting and placing the seeds in is a fun family activity. It can get messy, so be prepared. The kitchen table can make a good planting spot and I find spreading some old newspapers out first on the table, makes cleaning up easier.

Show you child how to fill the pot and place the seed in the centre; then watch her or him do it. Add some water, I have a small watering can for this purpose, and the plant is ready.

Take your child seed shopping and explain why you are choosing the seeds you are. Read the package together so you both are familiar with the plants’ needs. Growing your own food pays many dividends, perhaps the greatest is the joy your can experience, as your child picks that first ripe tomato.

Gardening with Your Child: Starting Seeds Indoors 1

[caption id="attachment_14249" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="children gardening"][/caption]

Bob Ewing - A garden is where nature and civilization meet and work together to produce fragrant herbs, beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables. In the garden, synergy blossoms as two forces, all too often opposed, human and nature, meet and work together to produce a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts. Where better to spend time with your children, learning, laughing and simply being.

If you live in an area, like I do, where the gardening season lasts about 90 days, it is necessary to learn how to start seeds indoors. Getting the garden growing weeks before the outdoor season begins can also be a fun and educational parent-child activity.

If you are new to gardening, then here is a basic activity that works well with young children. Beans are a marvelous plant; the seed is both what you eat and what you plant to grow more beans. When you are out shopping buy some bean seeds, just one pack, as you will only need two. In the spring seeds can often be purchased at a grocery store. They are usually set out on a display rack. Try and buy organic seeds if you can. Also pick up some organic potting soil.

You will also need four containers, ice cream or yogurt containers work fine. I use the 650 gram (about 24 oz) size. Punch three small holes in the bottom of one container and place it in a second container.

Let you child fill this container with the potting soil and then plant a bean seed in the centre of the pot about one-quarter inch deep, water, and place in a sunny location. Do the same with the other container and seed.

Check the container each morning to see if it needs water. You can tell by inserting the baby finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it is dry, then add water. If you wish, you can keep a log, photos are good, on how the bean grows.

If you have a sunny spot outside where you wish to move the beans, then the ideal time to begin this project is three weeks before the last frost date in your area. Ask your local plant centre or call the local public library they can provide this date. Beans like warm soil.

You can remove the bean seedling from the container and place it in the ground, or you can transfer it to a larger container. Now you simply need to provide water if and when needed.

When buying your bean seeds for this project select the bush bean variety because they do not need a support to grow. Next week, how to start tomato, cucumber and green pepper seeds indoors.