Want to start a garden with children? Just because there are children in the compound doesn’t mean you cannot grow your own vegetables. Starting a garden is relatively easy. You never have to spend the entire day in the garden, nor spend more than necessary. Discussed below are a few simple tips on how to start a garden even with children around.
1. Start Small
If it’s your first time, you should then start small then expand from that. Preparing too big a garden will only create more obligations, most of which you will be unable to accomplish. The beauty of vegetable gardens is that; you only need a small space to grow your crops. A 6 by 6-foot plot would be enough to grow your kales, veggies, and carrots. You could also make use of the old buckets or pots in the balcony.
2. Choose easy-to-grow varieties
Cucumber, carrots, spinach, strawberries, sugar snap peas, and tomatoes are some of the best vegetables you can start with. These aren’t too demanding and also grow up fast. In addition to this, most of these simple veggies are tasty and delicious. The best thing about growing the vegetables mentioned earlier is that they can be eaten raw. Most children prefer munching on a ripe tomato fresh from the garden, or even a carrot. Onions also come in handy in small gardens as they also protect other plants from insects and some pests. You however may have to fence the garden with chicken wire to deter pests and especially rabbits.
3. Be realistic
Although tending to a garden seem tiring, it certainly isn’t. You therefore needn’t worry about weeds or the frequency of watering. If prepared correctly, you only need to attend to the garden two times until the veggies are mature enough. Placing mulch on the soil, and watering during hot and dry weather is recommended too. Mulching helps preserve soil moisture thus reducing the need to water every day.
4. Entertain with Water
A water fountain can be a great addition to any garden and will get children intrigued in gardening and getting out and about. They can also be used for irrigation and children can even play with them. We can tell you now that if you add a fountain to your garden, the children will love it.
5. Embrace sustainable gardening
One of the main ideas behind starting a vegetable garden is to ensure your children eat fresh and organic veggies. It would, therefore, be wise to avoid pesticides or chemicals if possible. Consider using insects to control pests, as well as other plants that deter pest infestation. Use soapy water to fight other pests, and fish emulsion or organic compost for fertilizer. Nothing tastes better than organic fruits and vegetables. Sustainable gardening paves the way for healthy bodies and improved immune function for both you, and your kids
