Gardening With Children

Comment by Gillian Carson on August 17, 2010 at 21:14

We haven't had one Raspberry make it into the kitchen this year. Our little one eats them the second they are ripe! And sometimes when they're not ripe too :)

Comment by Ryan Carson on August 17, 2010 at 21:14

The most important thing I've learned is that it's important to let go of everything being perfect. If I get stressed when he digs where he shouldn't it just makes it stressful on both of us.

Gill had a good idea for dealing with this: We filled up a big sink with dirt and called it his 'Digging Station' and encouraged him to do whatever he wanted. He loves it!

Comment by Stephen Shirley on August 17, 2010 at 21:22

We have the same with our girls and the raspberries - they just go to tidy up the stuff left out in the garden and an hour later you wonder where they are - only to find they're picking and eating raspberries.

Comment by sarah mcmurray on August 18, 2010 at 18:44

Gardening with children is the biggest joy of all - especially when it does make it into the kitchen. Blueberry pancakes are the current fave. (Orangette blog for recipe - yum!) Our competitive two - Camille is 5 and Ned is 3, measure their sunflowers daily, argue over pumpkin ownership (not quite tied in a spiral, ahem!), scrump the fruit - and I mean all of it. But did you know we are growing 'ketchup plants' this year.....!

Comment by Caro on August 19, 2010 at 7:46

Just had to smile at Ryan and Gillian's comments on their son's digging station. Another way to occupy tinies is to fit a watering rose to a small-ish water bottle (or puncture the lid) and let them sprinkle water onto the veg. (Lakeland sell them, 2 for £1.45 I think.) With older kids, I find a tub of ELC chalks and a few paving slabs will occupy them until picking time.

Comment by Damo on September 26, 2010 at 8:32

I like the chalk and slabs idea, I may pave one of my grass paths so the grils can go mad with the graffiti while I do the weeding!

Comment by Debi Williamson on January 5, 2011 at 13:54

We usually have the traditional sunflower race, the kids plant one for everyone, even the cats and dogs!  Last year Aimee grew her own pumpkins and beans!  With Matty being older he'll do jobs for money!  Not sure who's being bribed there!  Aimee will also pick the strawberries, with not many reaching the kitchen, and squishy ones she gives to Rolo!  Rolo likes to help too, he helps pat the soil with his paw, after hes sat there and lsitened in detail to what you are planting!

Comment by Sarah Rideout on January 29, 2011 at 12:48

Hi, thought I'd joined this group ages ago - must have not clicked on something! For anyone thinking of setting up a children's growing project, see link below for info on The Lottie which is run on a community allotment with cooking done back at school http://www.commoncause.org.uk/project.php?p=5
Sarah

Comment by lou archell on February 19, 2011 at 21:38

Hello, I have just joined.  I have two young sons and a lottie.. so am looking for tips and help to grow veg and still keep them entertained whilst I garden!  Lou

Comment by Shena Cooper on December 4, 2011 at 16:17

Christmas growing try bean-sprouts and cress. Both packs are available from www.secretseedsociety.myshopify.com. 

 Stuckfor a gift or a great stocking filler to get children gardening,cooking and eating? Special offer on Secret Seed Society bundle of all 4 of our story'n'seed packs in gift box outers, now 15% off enter code 'i love peter parsnip' at checkout.

Books are ideal for kids up to 7 years old, and often loved by older children and grown-ups. Apart from a beautifully illustrated and amusing adventure from Seed City they contain seeds and a recipe!

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