If the garden is weed-infested, has a shallow or dry soil then not much will grow and kids will quickly lose interest. Most of the plants that children love need a reasonable soil as well as sun, so resist the temptation to fob them off with the space behind the rubbish bin.
Use raised beds as these are better protected from the incursions of bikes and hurrying feet. They are also easier to care for. Fill them with compost to ensure the plants grow well.
Grow easy plants that children enjoy: sunflowers, daisies, scented leaf geraniums and daffodils are always popular. Strawberries, cherry tomatoes and peas have the added benefit that kids can eat them- but don't expect any left for yourself! See the box for more ideas.
If you don't have room If your garden is tiny and there's not enough space for a child's garden then give them a small corner near their play area to tend - - it will be trashed anyway- or plant sunflowers and strawberries amongst the vegetables.
Include your children in garden tasks- helping to rake leaves, spread mulch, dead head the rhododendrons. And let them pick the flowers that are not precious, rationing them if you must.
Community planting projects Many schools have garden projects and there are lots of community projects for children- there is a child's sunflower competition every summer in my home town. Watch for and encourage your children to participate in these activities.
And don't forget- don't plant brittle fuchsias or your rare orchid collection in the arbour - after all it's the logical and natural place for a football match!
What you need for Seed Raising Seeds- larger, faster germinating varieties such as peas, beans, sweet peas, nasturiums, raddish are best
Peat seedling pots
Seed raising mix
Either plastic trays or heavy plastic to line a carton
Grocery carton
Small watering can with rose or spray jar for watering
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