Gardening with Children

Starting a small garden with your child or grandchild is an excellent way for children to learn to learn how to care for the environment and gain an appreciation for the many birds and insects with whom we share our gardens. Tending a garden also serves as an introduction to the changing weather patterns and the seasonal cycles of nature from planting the seed, harvesting (e.g. eating the vegetables, picking and drying the flowers or collecting the seed) and then preparing for the next season. They also learn an important life lesson in responsibility. If they don't water and nourish the plants they can die through lack of attention.

If you can, With your child decide what kind of garden your child would like - butterfly, herb, flower, vegetable etc. To make the project more fun and real buy child sized gloves, planting tools, wheelbarrow and watering can.

Sketch a plan for the garden and mark off the area in the garden. Maybe a flower garden around a playhouse or a small vegetable patch they can call their own.

Turn the soil breaking up any lumps and condition with organic compost if necessary.

If you don't have a suitable area of ground use container pots, planter boxes, or even an old half wine barrel will do.

Children can get interested in gardening from a very young age and with a little encouragement discover this fun hobby while enjoying the two things they love - dirt and outdoors.

With very young children it is easier to grow flowers directly from seed. The roots on seedlings easily become damaged as they take them from the pots and transplant into the soil.

Let children choose their own plants and look for easy germinating types such as Cosmos, Snapdragons or the all time favourite Sunflowers. Bulbs are also a great favourite amongst young children but they can be typically impatient waiting for the bulbs to sprout and grow.

For vegetables - carrots, peas and strawberries tend to be a favourite as they are easy to grow and great to eat. One study found that when four-and five-year-olds spent about 30 minutes a week for eight weeks tending a garden, they were more likely to eat their vegetables. A challenge for most parents.

Create a garden journal and take photos as the project progresses so your child will have something to remember over the winter months until the next season begins.

Copyright © Netwrite-Publish Home & Garden.For more ideas for home, garden and everyday living visit http://www.netwrite-publish.com

Author: Jill Black
Title: Gardening with Children
Email: jillbnwp@yahoo.com

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Choosing The Right Type Of Grass For Your Garden

If you are thinking of changing the way that your garden looks, usually changing the type of grass that you have is one of the easiest ways to do it. However, just because it will easily change the appearance, it does not mean that it will be easy to maintain! Generally it is all about knowing the different types of grass available and knowing which ones are more suitable for you.

Knowing Your Area

The area in which you live will determine which type of grass you can actually successfully grow. Many people do not realize that different types of grass need different living conditions and whilst some can live healthily in Northern climates, others may prefer a more Southern climate instead. This means that if you do purchase a grass which is more suited to a Northern climate but you live in the South, it is more than likely that your grass will not survive and if it does it will certainly not be at its best.

So, before you rush out and buy any type of grass, do a little research and see whether it can in fact live in your area.

Knowing the Grasses Needs

Another important thing to consider is what the grass needs in order to survive. Some grasses can live perfectly well with just a little water sprayed over them every now and again. However, for others there are certain factors which tend to come into play.

The soil will make a huge difference to the grass and how it grows. Different grasses need different types of soil so you should really know what type of soil you do actually have. Is it dry? Is it quite fertile soil? If you don’t know try and find out as otherwise you could end up purchasing the completely wrong grass for you.

Another consideration you will need to make is whether the grass can be in the shade. Some grasses live perfectly well in partial shade whilst others will die through lack of sunlight. So, research as much as you possibly can on the type of grass which you are after and that way you should be able to find something to suit you and your garden.

Overall different grass does need different things and it is important that you take everything into consideration. You may even want to consider ornamental grasses which are not used as a lawn; they are used to make the garden look nicer. Whatever you decide pay particular attention to its needs and you should end up with something which lasts you a long time.

About the Author: Andrew Caxton is the author and editor of more lawn care resources published at http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com. You can find more information and resources on type of grass at his website.

More Resource:
- Lawn Care EBook(R)
- The Real Gardener's Book. Get A Beautiful Garden - Easy, Inexpensive, And Rewarding - Simple Steps To Follow!

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