TINY GREEN THUMBS

Gardening is considered one of America's greatest
pastimes. People enjoy going out and communing with
nature. They like the feel of the earth between their
fingers and the excitement of seeing tiny sprouts and
plants opening up to drink in the sunshine and the warmth.
It just makes you feel good inside.

How about letting your child experience the joys of
gardening? No matter where you live, you can introduce
gardening and the miracle of plant life to your child. They
will thrill to see their seeds sprout and grow. That very
first strawberry, pickle, or parsley leaf will bring true
delight and amazement to them. You would be
instilling in your child a love of nature, an appreciation
for life, and the knowledge that with a little work and
care, you can grow food, flowers, and other things of
beauty.

Begin with small, fast-growing plants. A child's attention
span is still limited so long, slow growth may lose its
appeal. Strawberry plants are a perfect way to
introduce your child to the wonder of how that ruby-red
berry in his/her cereal grew. A small patch of ground that
will allow the plant to grow and spread its "fingers" will
amaze your child with each day's accomplishments. Then
when that first flower appears, the prospect of a strawberry
grows, and then finally that first berry becomes a reality.
Aw, the taste of the first berry you ever grew contains
untold feelings of victory.

Other great plants are cucumer, parsley, lettuce, green
onions, and yes, even a corn stalk or two. If space is
limited, try container gardening. Even something as simple
as a large coffee can with holes in the bottom for drainage,
some good soil, and the wonder begins. Allow your child
to do the work - water, weed, and care for the plant.
If you do everything, then the accomplishment he/she
feels will not be the same. A tiny hand can hold a small
watering can, and it can pick out pesky weeds. Bright,
little eyes will glow with each new growth until harvest
time arrives. Lettuce can be picked for suppertime, and
that salad will take on a whole new meaning.

Older children can be given more space and a wider
variety of plants to choose from. Carrots, beets, green
peppers, and pumpkins are sure-fire choices. Whatever
the age of your child, they can begin to enjoy the joys of
gardening right alongside their mom or dad. Please have
a camera ready when they see that first "success".
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002
e-mail: akaptur@centurytel.net
Website: http://www.rusticliving.info
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving
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