Many other writings on kids’ gardening
start with what to grow and how to design and build a kids’
garden, prepare soil, and plant, but this primer is not just about
creating one garden for your kids. It’s about taking advantage
of “gardening moments” with your kids every week in your
own backyard ... and front yard and in the garage and at the windowsill
and in the basement ...
Through the seasons there are big projects and little opportunities
for gardening with kids that can fit seamlessly into your life.
This primer will help you learn to recognize those opportunities
and turn your kids’ questions into fun discoveries. And you’ll
get the garden-building basics too!
Chapter
One: Gardening at Every Age
What kinds of gardening activities can you expect your child to
accomplish at various ages? Preschoolers, kindergarteners, 6-7,
8-9, 10-11, nearly teens.
Chapter Two: What Turns Kids On and Off to Gardening
Most adults who garden began their hobby as children. And more
than one old-timer has sworn off gardening because he hated it
as a kid. Here’s the secret to the difference.
Chapter Three: Start With a Design
How to start on paper, get ideas, choose what to plant.
Chapter Four: Growing Big; Garden Structures Kids Love
Projects big enough to involve and reward the whole family.
Chapter Five: Theme Gardens
Creative ideas that make gardening more fun.
Chapter Six: Plants Kids Love
Flowers and vegetables sure to be a hit for sunny and shady locations.
Chapter Seven: Starting Small; A Place a Kid Can Call Her Own
How to build a small garden.
Chapter Eight: Who’s Taking Care of This Garden Anyway?
How to involve kids in the necessities of maintenance.
Chapter Nine: Gardening Safely
Avoiding pesticides, accidents, lead poisoning, allergies, illnesses,
and poisonous plants.
Chapter Ten: So You Don’t Have Time and Space for Another
Garden?
Five gardening projects you can do for an hour wherever you are
(almost).
© 2008
National Gardening Association