Welcome to your spring garden!
Spring is a wonderful time to plant and watch things grow. Here’s a simple, kid-friendly plan to get started.
- Choose what to grow:
- Easy vegetables: radishes, green beans, lettuce, and carrots.
- Herbs: basil, cilantro, or chives.
- Flowers: marigolds or sunflowers for color and pollinator fun.
- Pick a spot:
- Get a sunny area that gets about 6–8 hours of sunlight.
- Clear weeds and rocks. If you have a small container garden, consider big pots or a raised bed.
- Prepare the soil:
- loosen the top 6–8 inches of soil with a shovel or trowel.
- Mix in a little compost to add nutrients.
- Rake smooth so seeds can sit evenly.
- Plant seeds or seedlings:
- Follow the seed packet or seedling tag for depth and spacing.
- Water gently after planting so the soil is damp, not soggy.
- Water and care:
- Water once a day or every other day, depending on the weather. Morning is best so leaves dry before evening.
- Check for pests like aphids. If you see bugs, try spraying with a gentle mix of water and a drop of dish soap.
- Weed your garden a little each week to keep plants healthy.
- Watch things grow:
- Keep a simple plant diary: date planted, what you planted, and how tall it is.
- Take photos to see progress and celebrate big moments like first sprouts or blossoms.
- Harvesting:
- Harvest vegetables when they look ripe. For example, radishes are ready when they’re round and firm, lettuce leaves are big enough to pick, and beans snap when pulled gently.
Safety tips
- Wash hands after gardening and before eating.
- Use kid-friendly tools and ask an adult to help with sharper tools.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat on sunny days.
Fun ideas to extend learning
- Keep a garden journal with sketches and notes.
- Try a simple compost bin with kitchen scraps to learn about recycling waste into soil.
- Invite family to taste-test fresh herbs and veggies from your garden.