Keeping children busy can be a daunting task at times. Their high energy level makes it difficult for them to focus on any one task for very long. Creating an environment where they feel comfortable and initiating projects they can take part in is one way to corral them for a short time.
Container gardening is a perfect way to get children involved in something other than video games and television. They will learn how to take a single seed and grow a beautiful flower, herb or vegetable. By planting and caring for their container garden, they will become aware of all living things around them, not only the plants in their containers. Children will also learn responsibility in caring for the container gardens.
Supplies Needed:
- Pots (or other containers of choice)
- Potting soil
- Seeds or seedlings (allow children to choose the plants)
- Plant markers (popsicle sticks will work)
- Sharpie marker (for writing plant name on marker)
- Gardening gloves
- Watering can
- Liquid fertilizer (Miracle-Gro®, Peters All Purpose® or L. Fertilizer of choice)
Once supplies are gathered, choose a day when the whole family will be home with no outside interruptions. This will make a good family project.
If containers other than flower pots are chosen, allow children to decorate them with paints or by gluing beads or other baubles onto the outside of containers. These do not have to be fine art; rather, a representation of the child's imagination. Set containers aside and let dry completely.
While waiting for containers to dry, let children decide which plants they would like to put in which containers. Help them to read the backs of seed packets or look on the internet for information about how to care for the plants they choose. Rather than telling them how to care for their garden, allow them to learn and put into practice what they have learned.
Things Children Will Need to Know:
- How large should the container be
- How deep to plant the seed/seedling
- How close together to plant the seeds/seedlings
- Type of soil plant needs
- How much sun/shade will plant need
- How often and how much water will be needed
- How often and how much fertilizer will be needed
Of course there is always more to be learned in any project but knowing these basics will get the children started on the road to a successful container garden.
Suggestions for Container Gardens:
Aloe (Aloe barbadensis or A. variegata)
Catnip (Nepeta catariai)
Hart's Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lettuce, a mix of loose leaf (Lactuca sativa)
Mint (Mentha spicata)
Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)
Peppers (Capsicum annuum)
Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)
Strawberries
Tiny Tim Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)
There are many plants that do well in containers. Mixing flowering plants with those which have beautiful foliage creates an interesting display. Grow tall and short plants in the same containers for balance or fill a single container with one type of plant for a lush display.
An added benefit to teaching children how to create container gardens is the time it affords parents and children to deepen the bond between them.
More information about container gardening can be found in these articles; Coffee Can Planter Project and Grow Vegetables in Containers.
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