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Kids' gardening 101 When it comes to kids and gardening, it's about exploration Susan RomitiPublished: June, 2009

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Just like with other interests, start early to instill a love of gardening and the out-of-doors. Let small children explore in their own way.  They are not looking to complete projects in a perfect manner.  The joy is in following their lead and providing a loose framework for their experience. Relax your standards and let the child assist in making choices.  Help to guide them, so the planting will be successful.  Allow for the spontaneous moments when the worm wiggles up, the lizard scampers by, or the bird stops to rest.  These are great times to chat and teach in subtle ways. Do you want to plant vegetables or flowers…..or both?  No reason not to mix them up.  Some flowers may even deter bugs. The Obama’s have just added a vegetable garden at the White House.  Check it out.  It is more extensive than you can probably tackle, (they have a lot of staff) but it is a great current issue for discussion.  Remember, too, that we are in a totally different climate zone.  Planting and eating your own produce teaches self-sufficiency, as well as the added benefit of growing organic and eating healthy.  Tomatoes are great to start from 4” pots because you can get more varieties. Choose from Roma to Cherry and every type in between.  Other choices can be grown from seed.  Radishes and carrots grow quickly for those little guys who can’t wait! Avoid the use of chemicals for the health of your family and the desire to grow organically. Snails can be a problem, but can be a great adventure too.  Go hunting first thing in the morning or in the evening.  Reward for the highest capture rate! Flowers easily grown from seed are: California poppy - now comes in many colors Cosmos Marigold Nasturtium Scarlet Runner Bean (can be grown on a bamboo teepee or fence) Sunflower Zinnia Kids size garden tools are readily available. Check out the seeds with your child at your local nursery or online and get started.  Your Certified Nurserymen are a terrific resource. \ Have fun! Susan Romiti is a landscape architect. She is mother to three boys and grandmother to three grandsons. Visit her Web site at Susanromiti.com.

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