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Young children love to garden. Gardening is one way that a child can actually see what their work has created.

There are many jobs that a young child can do when it comes to gardening. They can help pull weeds, then can help dig holes, they can put seeds in to the holes, and they can place a starter plant in to a whole that they have dug.

The parent should be the one to actually turn the soil to get it ready for planting. Have the child watch you do this, explain to them why this must be done. Tell them it makes the soil easier to dig into and provides oxygen to the soil. If the child is a bit older and is well coordinated you can let them have a try at turning the soil. This can be dangerous if you are not experienced at it, so only allow older children to try it.

Children can be taught to take care of plants by going out and watering them every day. A child can also learn about restraint and proper care by learning the difference between too little water, too much water, or just the right amount. They can also learn not to water on rainy days.

Of course the payoff is the growing of the plants. Many children will begin to get very excited when seeds start to become actual plants, and when plants begin to have vegetables form on them. It is then fun to watch the little vegetables get bigger and bigger.

My 4 year old takes our garden very seriously and often reminds me that we need to go outside to water the plants. He loves the garden and loves to see what changes have happened in the garden each day. He also loves to show our garden to everyone who comes over. He likes to show them each and every vegetable that is forming.

Of course with gardening there is also some disappointment as some plants may be ruined by insects, or vegetables eaten by animals. This will give you the parent a chance to explain about insects and their affects on plants, as well as wild animals need and desire to eat the vegetables. You can also teach your child little tricks on how to keep insects and animals away from your garden. Teaching your child to use natural items to keep bugs away can also teach them how to keep your garden organic. Never allow your child to spray any type of chemical on the plants, if this needs to be done, explain to them that this should only be done by an adult.

You can let your child help you with your large garden or you and your child can find a small patch in your yard that is just for your child. If you don't have space for a garden you can also start a small pot garden where you grow all of the vegetables in a few different good sized pots. Your child is very likely to love to take care of and watch the plants grow.

Learn more about this author, Rae Lynne Morvay.
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