Getting kids outside nowadays can be a struggle. There’s so much competition. First of all, let me just say that we’re all busy out of our minds. Second of all, give your child and option between going outside and screentime? And I would bet they pick an electronic over you. Some of the competitors in our house are TV, Youtube, ipads, Minecraft, and Among Us to name a few. Peeling those kiddos away from screens is hard. You feel me?
Remember, expectations minus reality equals disappointment. Relax. And remember these tips. It’ll set your quality time up for success.
1. Use BIG seeds
Have you ever seen a snapdragon seed? They’re tiny! I know, because I plant them with toothpicks and make sure to have my reading glasses nearby (yeah, I turned 40 this year…tell me about it). Can you imagine tiny hands and fingers trying to plant tiny seeds? It would be a lesson in patience and a disaster, I’m sure. Use BIG seeds like sunflowers. They’ll be easier to hold and see. Seeing what they’re doing more easily will make those memories really stick with the kiddos.
2. Use seeds that germinate and grow quickly
Germination is the amount of time for a seed to break out of its shell and show growth. Some seeds can take two weeks to germinate. All that watching…waiting. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time for that. I know children don’t. Use seeds that germinate (and grow) quickly. Zinnias and marigolds are some of my favorite warm weather flowers that germinate quickly. When I start them inside the house, they start growing in just a few days. Don’t waste your time starting them indoors though. Sow them straight into the garden. Your kids will be amazed that they pop up so fast.
3. Think about what they like to eat
Gardening isn’t just for flowers at our house. We grow a home vegetable garden too. Get your kids excited. Ask them what they like to eat. Do you children love pulling carrots out of the ground and eating them raw? Grow carrots. Do your kiddos love pickles? Mine do. Grow some cucumbers and dill. The possibilities are endless. Getting kids to eat healthy and get outside are both hard. This is a win, win!
I’m a mom but I’m no expert when it comes to gardening with my kids. My biggest tip is to have fun. Just roll with it! I’m sure you’ll come up with some good tips on your own.
Let me end by saying this. I was not an outdoorsy child. I’m still not especially outdoorsy. But my parents “planted a seed.” They role modeled the benefits of gardening – having extra money from a bumper wheat crop or getting to pick exactly what veggies I got to eat for supper from the garden’s bounty. What an exciting childhood, even if I didn’t appreciate it then. I appreciate it now. (Thanks Mom and Dad!) Keep trying and those kiddos will grow up to surprise you and be exactly who you hoped they’d be with the character you hoped to instill.
