Kids Gardening Ideas

Are you looking for ideas to get your kids involved in gardening? The easiest way is through container gardening.

What are plant experts’ suggestions for gardening with kids?

Container gardening is a great way to get kids involved with gardening. You give your child their own container and let them plant their own garden. It teaches responsibility and is easier for them and you to maintain.

What are the best plants for kids?

We have found kids enjoy edible gardens and have the extra benefit of adding healthy food to their diets.  Herbs are really easy to grow.  If you have a fruit-loving child, then plant berries. Take a look at ever-bearing strawberries, blueberries and the Raspberry Shortcake, a dwarf and thornless variety. Also, potatoes in a pot, patio tomatoes, cucumbers, and all the greens are great choices. Want more ideas? Visit our Plant Library.

How do you prepare the container garden? Here are 4 easy Steps:

1.CHOOSING YOUR CONTAINER

When you are selecting a container to be sure to keep in mind the two most important things, size, and drainage.  You want a container that is large enough to support the root system of your plants. And, a container with excellent drainage holes.
*Special Tip: Do not add gravel to assist in drainage it will only add weight to your container.

2. SOIL

Use a top grade potting mix.  These mixes are what the professionals use and typically include sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite, with occasionally blending in a small % of coir or very fine pine bark.  Feel free to add these to your potting mixes.  And remember, you can reuse the soil mixes year after year.

3. FERTILIZER

Use a slow-release fertilizer (such as Osmocote) for a slow all-season feeding.  Then supplement additional feedings as needed with Miracle-Gro, Fish Emulsion, or fertilizer of your choice. Feed as needed depending on what you are growing in your containers.

4. WATERING

One secret to watering is having a professional watering wand-like those from Dramm.  Help reduce your overall watering by as much as 50%, by simply adding Soil Moist to your potting mix.  These tiny polymers will last 2 seasons, and actually absorb water when you are watering, swelling up to as much as 200 times the original size.  When the soil dries, Soil Moist releases water back into the mix, which reduces watering time.   (eliminate aqua cones)

Cincinnati Gardening Made Simple! Have a plant question? Ask our plant experts!