For the kids

Costa Georgiadis

It is never too soon to start involving children in growing and gardening projects. Here are five ways to build energy and excitement for kids in the edible garden

Remember as a child just wanting to go outside? These days, we are up against a digital world that has some pretty strong magnetic hooks. But growing something edible is a great way to entice children to head outdoors.

Here are some themes and ideas to help you create a planting and growing project for kids. Aim for a little bit of payoff in the early stages (that weeding-only project was not necessarily the kind of fun you thought it would be!). And, most importantly, keep a simple diary, noting what you planned, when you started, what you have done, and especially what you harvested, so you can surprise yourselves and learn from the process.

PLANNING A LITTLE PROJECT

Create interest by including an outing, such as going to the nursery to buy some different seedlings, which will give a little bit of visual return straight away. Then you can collect some pots and mix up some potting soil with compost, to use as potting mix. Explain to the kids how making compost and building up the soil happens before starting your planting. It’s a nice balance between doing, building interest and outcomes.

A SCENTED GARDEN

There are so many options for a scented garden. Think about the variety of mints on offer, and the dishes or drinks they could be used in. Always bear in mind the uses of a plant, so the story and connection can lead into the kitchen or onto the dining table. Add to your scented garden a pot with some basil, which is perfect for hooking your little grower into a pesto pasta for dinner. And oregano is great as a groundcover, and it works well on a homemade pizza!

A STRIPED LETTUCE GARDEN BED OR POT

Buy a punnet or two of red and green lettuces of your choice, and plant them in a rainbow-like band. Plant them 20cm apart, and that way, they grow quite close and cover the soil completely. Then just harvest the leaves from the base, to keep your curvy or wavy lines. It looks great, and best of all it can be a talking point.

WINDOWSILL GREENS

All the action doesn’t have to be outside. What about using a north-facing windowsill in the bedroom or kitchen? There will be enough light to allow for a container of pea sprouts or mung beans to grow, and be seen up close and personal every day, encouraging kids to have a handful fresh in the moment. This is a great way to build a palate that doesn’t rely on sugar as its base point for comparison.

CHERRY TOMATO

These are like the lollies of the garden and, as far as tomato-growing goes, they’re the least prone to problems, so great for beginner growers. And their flavour is very sympathetic to children’s palates, and a starting point to take them on the journey from sweet to savoury. Record how many you harvest – a great tool to create awareness and challenges to improve and expand the whole project.