Cultivate a Garden with your Family!

There’s something wonderful about growing things yourself, whether it be flowers, plants, herbs, veggies or fruit – it just feels good to know that YOU did it. There is absolutely nothing like picking a cherry tomato from your own garden and popping it right in your mouth – dirt and all. I have memories of doing that as a kid. Every time I would walk past my dad’s garden I would check to see if there were any ripe tomatoes. If there were, I’d pick them and eat them right then and there. I’m not sure how many of them made it into the house.

I’m a new-ish gardener. This will be my fourth year with a vegetable garden so I’m not exactly in a position to give gardening advice. There is one thing I can tell you though – gardening is even more rewarding when you do it as a family. In my few short years gardening as an adult, I already have memories of sitting in the garden with my daughter, eating beans and tomatoes right off the plants. I can clearly picture the little tomato seeds dripping down her chin. Priceless. My husband’s job is to run the tiller and cultivate the soil for me – good man that he is. Last year my daughter was beyond elated when I let her walk through the freshly-tilled soil with her bare feet. I could go on and on about garden memories I have – which is why I can confidently tell you that it is a wonderful thing to do together. Here are some ways for everyone to be involved.

Plan Together

Let each person choose something to grow, within reason. We aren’t planting an orange tree in northern New Hampshire. Choosing specific things to grow helps each person take ownership of the garden.

Plant Together

The initial planting can take a little while. If each person helps  and participates then it goes a lot faster. Last summer my daughter was 3 years old and her job was to cover each bean seed I planted with soil. She was so eager to be a part of it.

Weed & Water Together

I actually don’t mind weeding too much but it can be slow-going. It’s nice to have company while I’m doing it. My eager daughter LOVES to help pull weeds. She isn’t any good at it at all because she almost never gets them by the roots – but I don’t care. She also likes to help with watering.

Pick & Eat Together

This is the best part! Pick, eat and enjoy. You’re doing something wonderful for your family and I guarantee – you’re creating some lasting memories.

~A word of caution: avoid harmful chemicals and toxic plant food if you plan on having your kids in the garden with you. They are a perfect excuse to have an organic garden

Photo by Nicki (Those are some of my cherry tomatoes from last summer)