Growing Vegetables with Kids From Seed to Plant
Frugal and Effective Ways to Raise Vegetables and Flowers
Mar 24, 2009
There are so many things that young children can learn from growing plants. Traditional lessons on plant parts, plant types, and plant germination are just the beginning. By growing plants, children can also learn first hand the importance of warm soil and sunshine, the need for proper ventilation, and how essential it is that plants have just the right amount of nutrients, including water.
But there's more. Watching a living thing spring from a dry seed can be awe inspiring not only to young children, but to veteran plant growers as well. It's probably part of the reason so many gardeners continue to plant from seeds year after year.
Gardening doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. And while plenty of space is nice, many productive plants can be grown in very little space on window sills, balconies, decks, along driveways, etc., using containers.
Starting the Seeds Indoors
Dollar Stores often have packets of vegetable and flowers seeds for sale each spring. Typically, 3 or 4 standard size packages can be purchased for a dollar.
Be sure read the back of the packages to find out when to plant, how deeply to plant, and whether the seeds must be started indoors. To start plants indoors, purchase "starting soil", or make your own with equal parts potting soil, sand, and vermiculite. Place soil in egg cartons or plastic trays. For a "hot house" effect, consider planting seeds in a container like the one grocery stores use to package rotisserie chicken in. The black plastic tray is great for absorbing heat, and the clear plastic dome allows sunlight in, while retaining warmth and moisture. Just be sure to wash the tray thoroughly before using.
Add seeds, cover with soil, and gently add water. Some seeds require darkness to germinate properly, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
After the seedlings have two sets of leaves, set them in direct sunlight and thin them so that good strong plants develop. If the seeds are being raised under a clear plastic dome or lid, be sure to remove the covering for part of each day to give the plants some ventilation.
When plants are almost ready to go outdoors, place them outside for an hour or so each day to acclimate them to the sun and wind. This is referred to as "hardening off" the plant. Increase exposure time gradually until ready to transplant.
Direct Planting or Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors
Many plants do well when directly seeded outdoors at the proper time. Plants such as corn, beans, and peas do not need to be started indoors. If garden space is available, simply work up the soil and plant. However, if space is limited, don't be discouraged. A little tub, a bushel basket, a bucket, or even a small garbage can placed on a deck or patio can become a "garden." Just drill a few holes in the bottom of your container, or use a hammer and nail to punch holes for drainage.
When transplanting vegetation that has been started indoors, it's best to scoop plants up with a spoon and transplant carefully. (Herbs can stay indoors indefinitely.) If seeds have been planted into biodegradable egg cartons, simply snip the sections apart, create a small opening in the bottom of each section, and plant the whole thing.
Weed, water and fertilize plants as needed.
Gardening can be an enjoyable hobby, an educational event, and a healthful pastime. It's an activity that can be done on a small or large scale and on a shoestring budget, (especially if you save seeds from year to year) . Don't feel limited by lack of space. Simply rethink the space you have, and enjoy your garden!
