On most grocery shopping trips I have at least one (or three) kids with me and some of our recent outings have triggered discussions on where food comes from. At least they think bananas come from “bushes” rather than just from Kroger. It’s a start, right? And when I told them white milk comes from white cows and chocolate milk comes from brown cows the eyes of a certain 5- and 3-year-old rolled in disbelief. MOMMY!
Talking about food’s origination has inspired me to consider planting a garden to really illustrate food production. Thankfully I have good examples to glean from as my in-laws have an amazing garden. I’ve admired my father-in-law’s nurturing dedication throughout the summer as his plants grow from bitty seeds to fresh produce. And how my mother-in-law then takes over during the harvest months, generously sharing their bounty with friends and neighbors, as well as freezing and canning their crop.
But gardening really intimidates me. I mean, my Mother’s Day plant died a few days after it was gifted (what? those things need water?), and I’m worried trying to grow vegetables is a bit overzealous.
What if nothing grows?
I hope it’s not too late in the year.
Are you SURE this dirt is good enough?
(I’m really good at worrying.) But I’m also in love with the values I think can be taught through this project, and want my kids to see the process of growing (and then eating!) “real food.” I’m hoping as they participate in the hard work they will become more grateful for and excited about healthy foods. Because lately it feels like every meal I serve is a fight. I mean, how can celery and apple wedges possibly compete with fast food french fries, or the junk food snacks all the OTHER moms (apparently) buy? And (don’t get me started on this soapbox) school lunch?!
And so despite my fears about our garden attempts failing, we’re going for it (albeit small).
No fears here!
“Mommy, I want to keep it as a pet! It likes me.”
I’m finding lots of great gardening inspiration (and hand-holding!) over at The Inadvertent Farmer.
First, I love that little smudge of dirt on her nose in the last photo. THAT speaks volumes! Sounds like you’re already doing a great job with your kiddos, enjoy the gardening journey… and don’t worry too much. So much of gardening is out of our control anyway. 🙂
Welcome to KinderGardens!
Things will grow.
It’s not too late.
If you’re finding worms in the soil where you dig, that’s a great sign.
Love the enthusiasm your kids have for the worms in your garden!
Welcome to KinderGARDENs! we’re pretty new to the gardening thing to – be encouraged! veggies are very resilient and forgiving of beginner mistakes. our first year, every carrot was a VICTORY!
i think it’s wonderful that you’re teaching your kids about real food – cuz it’s part of real life!
I was hesitant to begin a vegtable garden as well last year, so I started with a medium sized pot and one cherry tomato plant….it grew so well that this year I graduated to tomatos, chile peppers, sugar snap peas, grean beans, pinto beans, basil, cilantro and strawberries. I am thankful that my 3 kids are very enthusiastic about gardening…and I can’t tell you the amazing feeling I get when my kids come home from school and pick sugar snap peas and strawberries right from the plant. Good luck with your garden!
Seeing your daughter brought back memories, my DD is almost 9yrs old and has loved worms since she was a wee one. Glad to have you aboard for the ride!
What a sweet post (and I love your cute little felt veggies)! So glad you’ve joined the kinderGARDEN crew – looking forward to watching your garden grow and cheering from the sidelines. 🙂
Welcome to Kinder Gardens!
Looks like you have a great helper and a great attitude!
(I’ll listen to your rant about school lunches!):-)
Never fear: I kill all my house plants but somehow keep a garden well enough to feed us!
You are in good company!