The preschool kidlets loved the garden!
—preparing it
—planting the seeds
—watching the plants sprout and grow and
—harvesting the vegetables
And it never failed–parents would marvel over how their picky-eater at home would eat vegetables at school! When you’re invested in the process I think it makes the prospect of eating vegetables more tempting and perhaps the taste even more delicious.
Hearth Song will let you give your kiddo a green thumb by introducing them to gardening with their My First Garden Planter.
In the nursery rhyme Mary, Mary Quite Contrary* there are silver bells and cockle shells in the garden. Rather than those, give your kiddo some other options to choose from to add to their garden. Some plants are so easy to grow, they can start them from seed; others, like tomatoes, are best planted as starts.
Easy plants to grow from seed include:
•snap peas
•nasturtiums (fabulous for salads)
•lettuce, and
•beans
Pumpkins are also pretty easy to grow from seed, but if your kiddo chooses that it might be the only plant in the container!
As an avid gardener myself, I think Hearth Song’s My First Garden Planter grows itself a PLAY ON stamp of approval!
PROS:
● The Planter size (32″L x 24″W x 18″H) is perfect to fit on a back porch or deck and deep enough (28-1/2″L x 20″W x 8-1/2″D inside dimensions) to grow a variety of vegetables
● Besides the health benefits of vegetables, children’s health and wellness is boosted by being outdoors and playing in dirt—gardening fulfills both!
● Manufacturer states the planter is appropriate for children 3 and up. However, younger toddlers can enjoy the excitement of growing their own vegetables if parents let them ‘assist’ in the gardening!
● Made in the USA
CONS:
● Adult assembly required–expect it to go longer than planned
● Gardening tools not included—if your kiddo doesn’t have access to a hand shovel or watering can you’ll need to come up with alternatives
*Mary, Mary Quite Contrary How Does Your Garden Grow?
Mary, Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells
And pretty maids all in a row!
Introducing your child to gardening not only can encourage them to eat tasty and good-for-them vegetables, it may just be the start of a life-long hobby! Additionally children who garden are more awareness of the natural world and how they can impact it now…and in the future.
Yours in Play!
Teacher Karen
I appreciate and thank you for your support, the recommendations are primarily done to assist you in selecting toys, books and/or other materials that will enrich your child’s play experiences. I don’t participate in affiliate programs.