Beyond mud pies: Gardening is educational for children, parents

Permission to play in the dirt may be all that it takes to interest a child in gardening. Leaving a little extra room in a corner of the garden for making mud pies also can be enticing--and educational.

"Mud pies, a favorite with generations of children, typically offer lessons on how soil and water mix," said Evelyn Neier, Kansas State University Research and Extension Junior Master Gardener coordinator.

Inviting a child to tag along on a trip to the local garden store or nursery can spark an interest in gardening. So might a visit to a friend or neighbor's garden or to a public garden such as those in a park or at the zoo.

The Kansas Junior Master Gardener program teaches young people to garden while encouraging good nutrition and physical activity. It is supported by a grant from the Family Nutrition Program. FNP is implemented by K-State Research and Extension with the sponsorship of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Why garden? Gardening promotes physical activity, encourages time outdoors in fresh air and sunshine and, often, reduces stress. It is an intergenerational activity that can strengthen family relationships, said Neier, who also is an associate 4-H youth development specialist.

Whether working side-by-side or checking growth in progress, parents and children or grandparents and grandchildren who spend time in the garden may find their relationships growing as well. It's just possible, Neier said, that a child may chat about his or her day while working side-by-side with an adult. She offered tips to encourage a child's interest in gardening:

--Be a role model. Let children see that you are interested in gardening and learning more about plants.

--Plan a manageable garden. In other words, start small to manage weeding, watering and pest control.

--Choose low maintenance plants to keep the time commitment for care realistic.

--Grow familiar flowers and vegetables, as children may be more interested in monitoring growth of plants they know.

--Focus on nurturing a child's interest in gardening, rather than a picture-perfect garden.

With a family garden, crooked rows, with a gap here and there, add a little more personality.

More information on the Junior Master Gardener program in Kansas is available at county and district K-State Research and Extension offices and on the 4-H website: www.kansas4h.org.

Date: 4/17/06

	Web hpj.com

Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2008.  High Plains Publishers, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com