Like cooking, gardening is a great family activity. Growing and caring for plants helps kids learn teamwork, builds problem-solving skills, and encourages responsibility and independence. If you’re growing edible plants, gardening also gives kids (and adults) an important glimpse into where their food comes from. It’s also a great way to get kids to spend time outdoors. However, you don’t need acres of land to plant a garden. We recently started gardening as a family again and it’s been super fun. We have a small garden but it’s still great. We recently had to call a Tree Removal company out since a couple of our trees were taking up too much room. This has meant that we have more space to plant some vegetables and the kids can’t wait! This week, we explore several ways to have a fulfilling family gardening experience without leaving your home at all.
TickleMe Plant (TickleMe Plant Company)
One of the best ways to get kids interested in something is to encourage them to touch it. And plants are no exception. The mimosa has a variety of nicknames, including touch-me-not, shame plant, shy plant, and sleeping grass. But the name that we think little kids will like best is Tickle Me. When you touch it, the mimosa folds its leaves together to protect itself. Touch it gently and one or two leaves will close. A little stronger and a whole branch might fold up. It’s a great visual lesson on the importance of treating living things gently. Ages 4+. $21.95 for a kit that includes seeds and three small, reusable pots. http://ticklemeplant.com/
Space Plant (DuneCraft)
Mimosas also react when they’re exposed to heat or cold or are moved suddenly. DuneCraft calls its sensitive mimosas “Space Plants” or “The Amazing Moving Plant” and sells them in “micro terrariums” for $5-$10. http://www.dunecraft.com/
Fairy Triad (DuneCraft)
Do you have a little one who believes in fairies? If so, this adorable garden is for you. It comes with three magical plants that are used by real fairies (who knew?): Lobelia, to attract the fairies; Thyme, which allows you to see them; and Evening Star, to make special fairy brews. Also included are fairy bells, fairy dust, rainbow gravel, and an “actual” fairy, all of which fits into a clear-domed terrarium. Just be careful what you wish for. Ages 4+. Under $25. http://www.dunecraft.com/
Organic Veggies (DuneCraft)
Organic vegetables are getting more common, but they still cost a lot more than their non-organic twins. The solution? Grow your own. Everything about these kits is certified organic: the seeds, the soil-less material you plant them in, even the pots. Choose from watermelon, eggplant, green beans, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, kale, and others. Start them off inside-they’re all very easy to sprout. Then, put the entire pot into a larger, outdoor space and, in a month or two, you’ll be dining on delicious, organic veggies. For kids four and up (who will be far more interested in eating vegetables they helped grow than anything you brought home from the market). Under $5 each. http://www.dunecraft.com/
Sprout ‘N Grow Greenhouses (DuneCraft)
These compact greenhouses are designed to fit on a windowsill and come with easy-to-grow seeds, planting mixture, and instructions. Choose from bananas, catnip, coffee, strawberries, sugar baby watermelons, sunflowers, and more. Under $10. http://www.dunecraft.com/
RootVue (HSP Nature Toys)
All the plants we’ve mentioned so far grow above ground. But there’s a lot of really cool stuff going on under the surface too, and RootVue gives you a worm’s eye view of all of it. It’s kind of like an ant farm, where clear plastic windows lets you watch how ants build tunnels. But with RootVue, you and the kids get a chance to see how root vegetables (carrots, radishes, and onions) grow-leafy tops up, roots down. The 16-page booklet has easy-to-follow instructions for doing a variety of experiments. When you’re done admiring your underground cornucopia, yank ‘em out and cook ‘em up. Ages 4+. About $30. http://www.hspnaturetoys.com/