Home Content // Thinking About Spring*

Although we are now in the middle of winter it doesn’t stop me looking forward to Spring. Spring is my favourite season, I love seeing everything come alive after the winter and the greenery returning to my hometown. And of course, my birthday is in Spring.

Thinking about Spring is a must if you have a garden, especially if you plan on growing produce which is something I do. Getting your garden ready for growing fruit and veg can start as early as the Autumn so you do have to make sure you do your research. My mum is very green fingered and we do try to get Little Miss involved as much as possible when it comes to growing things as it really encourages her to try new foods if she feels she’s took part in helping them grow.

Here are some great tips for getting your kids interested in the garden from an early age;

Allow Your Kids to Have a Say in What You Grow
Little Miss is very visual so I often take her to the garden centre and show her the seed packets. This helps her to picture what will eventually grow up from the dirt. Last year she picked things she recognised such as strawberries, tomatoes and even a pumpkin. I’m hoping due to the fact we didn’t really have the weather for the first two I’ll be able to convince her into more practical veg this year. It was a great learning curve and I think that was important.

Pay a Visit to a Public Garden
Last year we went to Alnwick Gardens during the summer and I think that really inspired LM more to help out. She saw plants and growing things in a different light and it was really enjoyable. A lot of these gardens have activities especially in the Spring and Summer for children to take part in, it’s worth checking out the website of your local one before you head out.

Get Them Dirty
Kids love to get dirty but lets face it, as parents we aren’t as keen. However to really involve them in gardening allow them to get a little dirtier than usual. Kids are always more into the sensory than adults, get them to feel the seeds and the dirt. Get them to smell the leaves and eventually anything edible you grow they will be able to taste. Also ensure you alert them to anything in your garden that isn’t as safe and things you shouldn’t eat. This is so important if you have smaller children.

Premier Polytunnels has a fab infographic on more ways to help get your children involved in gardening. It’s a great read.