Children and gardening - a garden of their own

Gardens allow children a freedom they may not have in the rest of their lives - this is the ideal time of year to plan gardens and planting, so why not set aside a small patch in your garden, then take children to a nursery or garden centre and lead them through the seed packets - look at what they're drawn to.

Not simply about learning how to cultivate a plant, but how to create an interesting environment for plants which in themselves can be used in childhood games of imagination so simple, easily accessible and cheap.You are also encouraging them to consider the minor miracles of nature and initiating them into the pleasures of creating a garden of one's own

How to enthuse your children

• Choosing plants - stick to handful of varieties - include bright flowers - edible
• Starting seeds off - how to let children help
• Garden journal - to maintain interest while the plants come up - notes, drawings of how they think plants will look, insects who visit, seed packets, photos
• Put garden where they will see it - sunny spot, 4x4
• Playing with dirt - preparing soil
• Identify garden as theirs - markers, labels, signs, own scarecrow
• Hideouts - every child needs one - teepees planted with gourds, scarlet runner beans, cup and saucer plant, rows of sunflowers to make a house
• Extra containers with theme - grow own pizza ingredients, plants for 5 senses
• Playing with water - small watering cans, birdbaths
• Include whole environment - mulching, composting, flowers to attract butterflies, bees and birds
• Patience - children don't have much, so if they feel like pulling up a radish at an early stage then let them - make a note in journal!
• Adults don't have much patience either - let children have control and make own mistakes

Once children learn the basic methods of growing things, they never forget them. It's like learning to swim or to ride a bike, giving the same hefty dose of self-confidence which always comes after acquiring new and important skills