children and gardening

Last time my young nephews came over, they made a request to visit our veg plot. I couldn't believe it as I thought they would find it boring. But they remembered enjoying their last visit. Most of the time they like buying toys, watching TV and playing video games.

Are there any gardening tasks that the children you know have particularly enjoyed?

Emma.

The Gardeners' World web team

When my children were young, they always had a small area on my allotment, where they could grow their own things. Usually things that grew quickly, like radish and lettuce so that they could see results within a few weeks and keep them interested.

They also loved to help harvesting, especially strawberries!

Hello Hedgehog,

It's heartening to hear that you kept your children interested with gardening activities.

On the website we have a project involving growing peanut plants at:

http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/peanut-plant-growing/

This is aimed at giving children a quick plant to grow - with speedy and exciting consequences. I have also found sunflowers a good bet. In fact I still get excited by them myself.

Emma.

gardenersworld.com team.

Hi Emma,

I quite fancy growing peanuts myself having checked out the link above!! Does that make me a big kid!??

M

Hello Cheekymonkey,

I like your hat. If you are into fun projects, can I also recommend these:

http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/basics/how-to-take-cuttings-from-house-plants/161.html

Taking cuttings from house plants - nice and quick, results within weeks.

http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/creative-projects/how-to-grow-chillies-from-seed/69.html

Growing chillies from seed - ten minutes to sow and you can start in January.

http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/greenhouse/how-to-make-a-natural-cough-remedy/202.html

Making a cough remedy - of course you do need to be ill or know somebody who is ill for this one to be worthwhile, but it could make a cold more bearable.

Enjoy yourself cheekymonkey,

Emma.

gardenersworld.com team

My Grandchildren absolutely love "gardening" with my husband & myself.

We're currently clearing the very bottom of our garden, (Just suspended work because of the snow !!) & they love mucking in with us.

 This is my Grandson,(Grandchild #4)

Hello Mag,

What lovely pictures! Your grandson is very cute. I hope he stays interested until he can push a bigger wheelbarrow! Does anybody else have a grandchild who is helping them? Do let us know your tips on persuading children to go outside.

Emma.

gardenersworld.com team

my nephews and nieces always enjoy visiting the allotment - i think the nephews enjoyment comes more from disposing of snails and things, whereas my nieces like helping me pick the beans and strawberries. Either way I'm just happy to have willing helpers!

Lucy