The Garden and Kids!

Have you ever seen a youngster who didn't smile, touch or say 'pretty' when a flower is held up to the him/her? Instinctively, a child loves nature and a mom has a great opportunity to cultivate that love in her children at an early age.
August is a great month to let your child explore your gardens. By now, many plants can use a good pruning so let your 4-5 year old cut you a bouquet of flowers from your garden (with a blunt school-type sissors). Show them how to cut a stem long enough and have a small vase of water for them to collect a nice selection.
Your 3 year old can work along side you as you pull the carrots and she can can have a big pail of water to wash off the carrots as they are pulled from the dirt.
A 2-3 year old loves to use a 'trowel' and cultivate the dirt. In August, there is no threat of digging up seeds or new plants, so simply show him a wide area of dirt and have him 'comb' the area smooth.
Harvest is a perfect time to get your children into gardening. The plants are more defined and the fruit is ready to be picked.
Who knows, you may have a Johnny Appleseed living at your home. Encourage him/her on!!