Extramural

Gardening is a great way to teach your child to care for the environment in a simple, yet effective, way.

Patience and responsibility are just a few of the many lessons your child can learn in the garden. It also provides a good foundation for science and biology, where children get to experience the cycle of life first hand.

Creating a positive experience for your child in the garden will help to forge a love for the hobby that could last a lifetime. Good results can help to build your child's self-esteem, while failures will be a chance to learn and grow.

Before spending a day in the garden, make sure your child has a good breakfast. A bowl of children’s cereal, yoghurt, a slice of whole wheat bread and an apple or banana is suitable to keep their energy levels up. Also make sure he or she keeps hydrated by drinking lots of water or fruit juice. Sun protection is also important. You should both wear a hat and sun block.

Show your child the correct way to use garden tools and teach safety first. Large tools are clumsy in a child’s hands, so rather look out for a kid’s gardening tools range.

Plants that are easy to grow and have a short growing season are best as children have a short attention span. Plant anything that is appealing to the sense of sight, smell and touch. Don’t forget taste, too. If a child won’t eat vegetables, growing their own may stimulate an interest and they may be keen to sample the fruit of their labours.

Sunflowers are a child’s favourite. They germinate in a week, are easy to grow, and within two months the plant is flowering. Give the seeds to the birds after flowering.

Cherry tomatoes are also great fun and can be grown in containers. Plant seedlings in full sun. As they get bigger, you’ll have to stake them. Keep leaves dry and water at ground level.

Alyssum can be planted year round and are easy to grow. The tiny white, pink and purple flowers fascinate children. Sow in sun or semi-shade, and water until established. They sprout in about a week. Others to try include nasturtiums, geraniums, hen-and-chicken, lamb’s ears, potatoes, lettuce and lavender.

• Make an animal topiary. Purchase a topiary frame from your nursery. Use ivy, boxwood, rosemary or lavender to create your topiary. Swans, rabbits, bears, elephants and ducks are popular.
• Write your name in seeds. Prepare a flat container (15cm) with any soil. Soak wheat grass seeds overnight before planting. Sprinkle seeds closely together over the soil to spell out the child's name. Sprinkle a layer of soil over the seeds and water lightly. Cover with newspaper and place on the patio or windowsill. Mist lightly with water every day until green sprouts are visible, then remove newspaper and wait for the grass to grow taller.
• Make a scarecrow for the veggie patch. Use dowels, Hessian, pillow stuffing and some old clothing to make your man. Draw on a face with a felt-tipped pen. Use wool or straw for hair and add a hat.