Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2003
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/kidsgardening.html

Gardening with Kids
February 2003
Jan Decker, Junior Gardeners' Club Coordinator

    This year's "Gardening with Kids" will feature projects for kids and
their adult helpers. Some activities will be pretty quick and simple,
others are going to take more time and energy. How much adult helpers
are involved will depend on the age and skill level of the child. It's
important to allow kids to do as much as possible on their own so they
will improve their skills and knowledge. Maybe all you'll need to do is
offer encouragement and join in the joy of their accomplishments.

MINI GREENHOUSES
    Start with small pots from the garden center or poke drainage holes
in the bottom of small cans or plastic containers. Fill them with
potting mix. Wet the soil and set the pots aside to drain. Plant two or
three seeds in each pot (check the seed packet for depth). Put each pot
in a plastic bag (the ones you put fresh produce in at the grocery store
work well). Gather the opening of the bag and blow into it, then close
with a twist tie. Set the miniature greenhouses in a warm room. When the
seedlings start coming up, move the greenhouses to a sunny window. Older
kids can take notes as they study the growth of their plants. You can
write down what the little ones tell you they see. Now is the perfect
time to start seeds indoors for a spring garden. Come to Johnson's and
pick up all your supplies. We have free informational handouts to help
you get started and our staff is eager to answer any questions you may
have.