Growing a Family Garden Wilmington DE

What makes gardening the perfect family activity? "Dirt!" shouts a gleeful Ely, 4, who always manages to find an excuse to dig when it's his turn to water the marigolds.

Local Companies

Children of Destiny Christian Early Learning Center
443-406-7655
236 Patriots Way
Elkton, MD
Children of Destiny Christian Early Learning Center
443-406-7655
236 Patriots Way
Elkton, MD
Primary Colors Arts Daycare
1 302 743 8582
100 Daniel Street
Odessa De, DE
Bravo Landscaping
(302) 529-5957
1829 Saw Mill Dr
Wilmington, DE
Andy's Lawn Care
(302) 234-3279
Wilmington, DE
Great Outdoors Lawn Care
(302) 993-9057
125 Grier Ave
Wilmington, DE
American Lawn & Landscape
(302) 999-8590
2447 W Eric Dr
Wilmington, DE
Ras Addis & Associates
(302) 571-1683
460 Robinson Dr
Wilmington, DE
Wilmington Lawn & Maintenance Services Inc
(302) 996-9090
6002 Old Capitol Trl
Wilmington, DE
Lawn Doctor of Brandywine
(302) 764-2030
Wilmington, DE

By Pamela Stock

What makes gardening the perfect family activity? "Dirt!" shouts a gleeful Ely, 4, who always manages to find an excuse to dig when it's his turn to water the marigolds. His grandmother, Susan, is more philosophical: "It's exciting to watch something you've planted flourish under your care."

Cultivating a family garden -- be it vegetables, flowers or an arrangement of potted plants on the patio -- has something for everyone. Adults get the satisfaction of beautifying their surroundings, and young kids get to play in the dirt. Everyone gets to enjoy the thrill of success, watching the flowers bloom or the vegetables ripen. Plus, it's an excuse for the whole family to be outside together, without having to jump in the car.

Here are some tips on starting a family garden.

  • Look up, look down
    Determining what to plant depends both on how much sunlight you get and what type of soil (rich or sandy, for instance) you have. Read the plant cards and discuss what will grow best for you with the staff at your local garden supply store.

  • Everyone gets a plant
    Let each family member choose a plant or to call his own -- and to care for. Note: Some parents panic if a child's special plant isn't faring well and will even replace a dying one. Others talk to kids first about the possibilities that plants don't always grow, and say that the kids aren't as disappointed as parents fear. Remember too, while there are a few special plants, the whole garden is shared.

  • Assign age-appropriate jobs and tools
    Young kids can hold the hose or watering can, older kids can tie vines to stakes and EVERYONE gets to hunt for ripe tomatoes and strawberries. Gardening shovels can be sharp, but small children can dig with plastic shovels.

  • Dressing up is part of the fun
    My son wears his rain boots and plastic construction hat every time he heads outside with a watering can, which adds to the festivity. Wear sun hats.

  • Add art
    Your kids can decorate the garden with found stones (painted, if you like) or pieces of broken flower pots to make the garden their own. Similarly, you can make your own garden stakes by painting wooden dowels or gluing pieces of rock to them.

  • Keep it simple
    If the kids burn out on some of the maintenance the green thumb in the family insists on, let them play in other parts of the yard. Gardening should be fun, not a chore.

    To learn more visit Real Families Real Fun
  • Featured Local Company

    Children of Destiny Christian Early Learning Center

    443-406-7655
    236 Patriots Way
    Elkton, MD

    Related Local Event
    Family Child Care Business Forum
    Dates: 6/23/2009 - 6/23/2009
    Location: Women's Business Development Center
    Philadelphia, PA
    View Details

    Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

    Topics:
    Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
    Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
    Career Financial Services Insurance Software
    Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
    Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
    Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
    Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
    Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
    Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History