Busy little green fingers!

Keep the children busy outdoors this summer

Gardening for children is a good way to get them into the fresh air and away from the TV.  At all times of years there are things to do, see and learn about. And what’s even better is that you can watch their enjoyment from the comfort of a deckchair or garden bench!

Growing fruit and vegetables

There's no better way of engaging children in the garden than by encouraging them to pick the things they like eating. Picking apples, plums and pears off the trees is always great fun. 
How about getting the kids to help harvest radishes and swedes?

Picking blackberries for homemade pies and jams is a great way to spend an afternoon. Growing pumpkins is always fun as given a bit of warmth and plenty of water, these can grow very big and the big seeds are easy for small fingers to handle.  Other delights that start with a big seed are sunflowers.  Why not show your kids how fab sunflowers are in the closing stages of this summer and ask them 'would you like to grow some of these yourselves next year?'

Container gardening 

This is a bit more flexible than mainstream planting, as you can get containers going whenever you want.  We are getting close to bulb time, so start thinking about preparing some pots of bulbs for next spring.  Bulbs probably should have a section on their own as they really are easy to work with and offer endless possibilities.  Gloves can be a good idea as handling some bulbs (including daffodils) can irritate the skin.

Childrens gardemomg tips and ideas on thejoyofplants.co.uk

Planting for wildlife

This can range from planting buddleia for butterflies and sunflowers for finches through to establishing bird baths and feeding stations.  The RSPB is running their 'Home for Nature' campaign at the moment encouraging everyone to make more space for the ordinary wildlife that we used to take for granted.  From hedgehogs to house sparrows, everyday wildlife is having a hard time. 

Have fun

All children love playing in piles of leaves – so let them! Half the challenge is about giving children the license to enjoy playing in the garden.  Playing with leaves can be a great start for younger kids (just make sure dogs haven't been near them and that hedgehogs haven't started hibernating in them.)

The fact is children love planning a project with you and then delivering it.  So, whether it's a raised bed or a insect-hotel, let them choose and help them get started.  Projects tend to be less season-sensitive than planting, so go ahead and get started whenever you like.

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