Creating Children's Container Gardens

Spring is the time of year when children plant container gardens at school. From kindergarten through about third grade, youngsters learn about green and growing things by planting seeds in paper cups or other containers at school.

Often these are planned so they can bring a growing bean plant, or perhaps marigold home to mom for Mother's Day. My daughter did this in elementary school, as did both grandchildren. Then we waited until we were sure the frost was gone before we planted them in the garden outside.

When I substitute teach in these grades, the children always are ready to show me the "gardens" they have growing in the classroom and want to water them so much the plants nearly drown. However, it's delightful to see youngsters so excited about gardening.

Also, check out these Gardening Resources for Families.

Gardening Books & Resources for Families

When I wrote the post at my blog, One Book Two Book, Thoughts of Gardening for Young and Older, I planned a companion one with information about books on gardening that might appeal to families. There are some books and gardening resources that may be of interest:

Gardening with Kids by Catherine Woran and Martyn Cox
Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy
Gardening with Children (Brooklyn Botanic Garden All-Region Guide)
In the Garden with Van Gogh by Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober
Seedfolks, a novel about planting and gardening and neighbors together by Paul Fleischmangh

ToySmith Garden Tote with Tools
The Rumford Gardener Watering Can with 3 Tools
Children's Folding Gardening Seat with Tool Storage