Give them their own ‘patch’. This is a great way for children to learn to be responsible for something. It’s best if your patch is small, at least at first. If they love it and want to make more, you can always make it bigger. You want to encourage them by getting results as quickly as possible.

When I was little, it seemed like time almost stood still, especially when I was expecting something. He starts with lettuce seedlings, cherry tomatoes or snap peas, foods they love and give quick results. Potatoes are always a winner. Unearthing them is like digging for buried treasure!

Take your little one(s) with you to select seeds that can grow on your plot. They will likely choose plants with bright colors and interesting textures, which will add interest to your table. You’ll find that they really want to eat what they’ve grown, so you invite them to try new things. This also gives them a valuable sense of contribution to the family and pride in themselves.

Most little people love flowers. Also, since they are such visual creatures, so you can introduce them to companion planting. Teach them how to grow good plant combinations and how this keeps insect populations at bay. Try the borage and strawberries, or the tomatoes and parsley or basil. By the way, spending time together watching critters is a great way to learn about nature and how everything is interconnected.

Let the child take care of his patch. You can guide them with tips and advice, but let the final decision be theirs. Encourage them to mark when and where they plant seeds so they are not working in a place where they have already planted seeds. This will let them know when to expect the buds to come up – very exciting! Remind them to water and weed. Let them do most of the ‘work’, so the results are truly yours. Let it be a place of discovery, not error. Encourage them to clean up after they are done in their plot for the day. Establishing good habits now will have far-reaching benefits in your life.

Building small structures. as a trellis or bean teepee adds interest and dimension. You and your child can use bamboo or wire to make a simple little structure for the plants to scramble around. Climbing plants look great on a structure and can really shoot up very quickly. Try climbing beans, peas, or cucumbers.

Enjoy your time together in the garden. Make sure your child’s plot is close to where you spend most of your time in the garden. You can be working in your vegetable garden while they are in theirs. You can share moments of excitement and discovery, such as when seeds first break to the surface, or when you notice the first cucumber on the vine, or a beautiful flower that has just emerged. Your garden is a place of constant wonder that you can share with your little ones. So have fun and enjoy!