How To: Plant a Garden With A Toddler

Warning: Adorable pictures of the Bug disguised as a "how -to" follow:

First, make sure you have a decent-sized plot of land, topsoil, wanted plants, and a spade! (The one thing we have been missing, the stinkin' spade!) We recommend The Claw, also. Give your toddler ample time to play with all the aforementioned necessities, making sure they don't step all over one of your tomatoes.......

Toddlers love to 'help' with adult jobs. Make sure you account for double the amount of time it would take you to do something if they are going to help. Water in their own watering can makes them feel special. We got a cheap-y from the $1 section at Target, but I love these tools from this site, and am thinking about getting some for his birthday in June.

Make sure you catch a shot of the toddler up-close, especially right after a big fall that they are just recovering from...teary eyed and mad. They will appreciate it later in life that you took the time to show them how to garden and water plants. They may or may not appriciate later in life the fact that you yelled when they stepped all over said tomato plant....

Finally: look good in your jeans...er...sweatpants :)
*I have been known to have a bit of a 'black' thumb, even killing bamboo in my time! However, this year, the Bug is old enough to be very interested in all that we do, especially chores. It is my intention to show him where food comes from and I think that he will enjoy this practical side of life. Planting, nurturing, picking, and eating. This is where education starts. Enjoy the beautiful spring!

PS-Stay tuned this week for a review on Boomerang! audio downloads and a "How-To: Make a Sand/Water Table".

Comments

Lori said…

So cute! That was adorable, Sarah.

BTW, I can't WAIT for the sand/water table how to!!!!

May 11, 2009 at 6:22 PM

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