Warmer weather is right around the corner and you may be wondering how to include your preschooler into gardening this year. Below are a few tips on how to garden with your preschooler.
Prepare
Before involving your preschooler in the gardening process, do a bit of research to ensure this is a successful experience for your preschooler. Identify plants which grow well in your area and prepare to ensure your soil has the proper nutrients to grow the plants you desire. Identify the area where your garden will grow best. If your soil is hard, turn it to soften it and avoid your preschooler becoming frustrated when he cannot dig. If you are not using raised garden borders, you will likely need to find a way to mark plant rows to avoid plants from being trampled by little feet. One suggestion is to use bark to mark walking paths.
Plan
Invite your preschooler to join you in the process of choosing plants and planning where to put them within the garden. You will likely need to guide her quite a bit in the placement of plants, but she will enjoy being included in choosing what to grow. Visit the library and read some books about gardening to help your preschooler learn more about the process of growing her own produce.
Include
Gardening with your preschooler may be a bit overwhelming, but keep in mind he is learning and wants to help. Find jobs of importance in the garden for him to do on his own. Remember that it is ok if he picks the peppers before they are fully ripe or over waters the beans. He is learning self-control and self-regulation through these activities.
Enjoy
As time to harvest nears, involve your preschooler in finding recipes in which to enjoy your home grown produce. He is sure to love helping find the ripe produce and helping prepare them for mealtime.
Enjoy the time gardening with your preschooler and create memories that will last a lifetime. Your garden may only last one season, but the skills and memories you are helping your preschooler build will last a lifetime.
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