A Pirate Garden and Other Gardening Ideas for Kids

Kidsgardening.org is a website devoted to teaching children about gardening, both in school programs and by offering fun ideas and projects for at home. As we are just over the May 24th threat of frost in central Ontario, many families in our community are starting gardening projects. Here are some ideas and advice about creating a fun, safe, plant-friendly garden for kids.

A Pirate's Garden - by Sarah Pounders
Ahoy Matey! Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to capture a child’s attention outdoors? Dare to walk the plank and plant a Pirate’s Garden! We love themed plantings as much as any kid, so when educator Carrie Ann Smith shared the idea of a Pirate’s Garden with us, we just had to pass it along. Here are some elements to include so that even the most reluctant swashbuckler will come running to the garden:
Treasure: Plant a pot of gold. Find an old wooden box, drill a few holes at the bottom, fill with soil, and then plant yellow blooming plants like marigolds or calendula.
Ship or Hideout: A bean tepee can represent a pirate ship or hideout. To build a bean tepee you will need some long supporting pieces, and a method of attaching them at the top, tepee-style. There are kits available to purchase commercially, usually using bamboo poles and a plastic connector ring. Or, you can easily build your own by lashing together some straight tree branches that are about eight or nine feet long, top with a pirate flag, and let the fast growing runner beans cover the structure.

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Planting a Child Friendly Garden -National Gardening Association
Gardeners love to share their interest in gardening, and sharing with their children can be particularly rewarding. Even 2- and 3-year-olds can help plant their own little patch, and watch as life unfolds around them. Here are some suggestions for making gardening enjoyable -- and safe -- for young children.

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