Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2004
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/kidsgardening.html

Gardening with Kids
June 2004
Jan Decker, Junior Gardeners' Activities Coordinator

    It's hard to believe the school year is over. You probably already
have many plans to keep the kids occupied this summer. Sports, Vacation
Bible School or camp may be on the schedule, but chances are you're
still going to hear those familiar words, "I'm bored."

    If time got away from you earlier this spring and the kids didn't
get a garden project started, it's not too late. Help them select
something that will be rewarding and enjoyable and not just something to
keep them busy.

    A vegetable garden will benefit the whole family. In early June you
can plant sweet potatoes, snap beans, pumpkins, melons, tomatoes,
cucumbers, peppers, winter squash, eggplant and okra. Plant at least one
favorite and one new vegetable to try for the first time. This is a good
way to get kids to try eating something new. While waiting for the
harvest, they can look for reci

    Keep their interest with weird or exotic-looking plants, or plants
with strange names. Have the kids research the origins and uses. Why
would you put an Ice Plant (Delosperma) in full sun? What are Wormwood
and Bleeding Heart? You might be able to lure that rebel child into the
garden with "black flowers." Plants with dark burgundy to black blooms,
stems or foliage have been referred to as the "rock stars of the plant
world" because they are different from the traditional colors we place
in the garde

    If gas prices remain high, many families will opt to stay closer to
home. This is a good time to involve everyone in making your outside
"family room" more enjoyable. Don't have a lot of space? Most things
that you plant in the ground can also be grown in containers. Even water
gardens! And our staff will be happy to help with your plant selections.