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Most young mothers have swayed their toddler away from their natural
attraction to dirt. The main reason was to keep them from eating it. As
a young child, we were using our natural instincts to taste and feel. As
gardeners, we are still fascinated with dirt and all that it can provide.
Take some time this year to introduce your child, niece, nephew, grandchild
or friend to a garden. There are few things children enjoy more than
digging in the dirt, and one or two trips to your local garden center can
give you enough supplies to start a child’s garden this season. Here are
project ideas to help you get started:
Select a corner of an existing garden bed or dig a new spot. Teach
the young gardener what is needed for plants to grow, for example, sun
to absorb nutrients and water to drink. Make sure your selected site
has easy access and is in a spot that can be admired.
A child’s garden should be small. Remember this is their garden
spot, a size of 3 feet by 3 feet is a good start. If you live in an apartment
or condo, use a container to plant your seeds. Let your child help
you with the proper container selection and make sure it has good drainage.
Butterflies, toads, bugs and the occasional snake visit most gardens.
What a great way to introduce your child to your backyard ecosystem.
Kids love to look for worms, bugs, and anything else that moves. They especially
love to show you what they found. What a good learning opportunity for
you and your young friend to talk about the importance of beneficial insects
and how they help to break down soils and add nutrients.
Other needs include child size tools like rakes, shovels, and gloves. Household alternatives might include old kitchen utensils for digging or measuring cups for scoops. Don’t forget a personalized child size bucket to place their tools and to be used for collecting garden “finds.”
For ideas on garden projects for your child, visit your local library
or the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Dept. Also, go to the following
sites:
http://mastergardener.osu.edu/gardeningwithkids.html
(download a project handbook)
http://www.gardens.com/resource/children.htm
This year the Colorado State University Twilight Garden Series will have activities for young gardeners. Activities include planting container gardens, cockroach races and much more. The remaining two events are July 10 and July 31 at 7 p.m. at the W.D. Holley Plant Environmental Research Center at 630 West Lake Street in Fort Collins.
Q: We would like to cover our new arbor with grapevines but have heard that some grape leaves are toxic. Which varieties can I plant that are safe?
A: Grape leaves are not toxic. Most grape leaves are rough and hairy as well as smooth and people do eat them, though some leaves aren’t as appealing as others. Some varieties of grapes that can be grown in our area include: Bluebell, Valiant, Concord, Swensons Red, and Autumn Bliss. Speak to a nursery professional regarding your grape selection.
Q: Do lawn pesticides harm dogs and cats? My yellow lab gets a rash after the lawn service has been here.
A: Just like humans, animals can have allergic reactions to certain products. Your pet could be allergic to fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Keep your pet and yourself in the house after commercial or personal application of any chemical to your home or garden. It is usually safe after a rainfall or thorough watering of the site. Always check the product information on the package or ask your lawn service how long products should remain on the grass before they can be rinsed. Ask you lawn service if they have alternatives that are safer for you and your pets.
After coming home filled with stress from a day at work, use your garden to make the stress go away. Walk through your garden with a pair of garden scissors. Admire your efforts and do the dead heading at the same time. Your plants will appreciate the attention and by the time you are through, the stress will have disappeared.
If you are constantly losing small garden tools in your landscape, try painting them. Use a little flat white paint first. When dry, paint the tools with a bright or fluorescent paint. It isn’t necessary to paint the whole tool, just enough so that it is easy to spot.
You can buy wide wooden craft sticks, similar to tongue depressors, at a craft store. Write on them with permanent markets and use them to identify plants in your garden. Inexpensive and effective.
The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
Fact Sheets are available at the Larimer County Extension Office, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado, telephone (970) 498-6000, or contact us by e-mail at larimer@coop.ext.colostate.edu
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