Planning this Year’s Garden

Planning a garden is not as tedious as it sounds. But there are four characteristics of gardens to keep in mind, especially when planning a garden for kids.

Size

Size matters in planning a garden. Too big and the garden can overwhelm even the most avid and experienced gardeners. Too small and the garden doesn’t produce the expected results.

An older child can possibly handle a bigger garden but that can depend on age, personality and ability to handle responsibility. A younger child may handle a big garden for awhile but can soon grow tired of trying to reach spots that are too much for them or too big for them.

Container gardens are a good bet for beginners and younger children. Container gardens give more control of size. Container gardens can include, but are not limited to, pots and planters, raised beds and even non-traditional containers such as milk jugs, bottles and even wooden boxes.

Shape

The traditional square or rectangular garden bed may appeal to the kids. But there are other shapes to consider when planning a garden. A round shape is typical with pots and planters and can fit in places that a traditional rectangular garden might not.

There are some raised bed systems you can buy that incorporate a variety of shapes. A raised bed is one that is raised above the level ground. It tends to have better drainage, weed control and pest control. It can also to be easier for kids to handle due to it’s relatively smaller size.

While traditional raised beds are rectangular, there are some that are circular. A tiered, or layered raised bed can be found at almost any home and garden store and most certainly greenhouses and even Internet retailers.

Gardener’s Supply Raised Bed Systems

Type

There are different types of gardens your children may want to grow.

Vegetable and food gardens have a dual purpose. First, they serve to grow food for our consumption. They can serve a creative side too. Vegetables can be grown for prizes at county fairs and such. Vegetables are rewarding in so many ways they are sure to get the kids involved in growing and tending the garden.

Flowers and other non-vegetable plants are great for color. There are all different types of flowers suitable for all different types of climate so search around when trying to find the best flowers for your area.

There are in between types of gardens as well. Some plants such as kale can be grown both for food and ornamental purposes. Some flowers such as marigolds and nasturtium can be grown in amongst the food because they are edible flowers. Not all flowers are edible so be sure to ask an expert and do some research to find out which are edible and which are not.

The kids will feel more involvement in planning a garden if they get to choose the type of garden they want to grow.

Edible Flowers

Color

A garden for kids should have a lot of different colors in it.
The color combination of plants chosen is important for visual appeal. Kids could easily get bored of the same old colors. If the kids want a vegetable garden then perhaps put in some colorful edible flowers amongst the vegetables.

Try a garden with their favorite color or even make a rainbow garden. A rainbow garden for kids might include tomatoes, carrots, yellow bell peppers, lettuce, blueberries, blue potatoes and purple bell peppers.

If these four characteristics are considered carefully when planning a garden, it can make a kid’s gardening experience more wonderful and everlasting.

-Katina Mooneyham

Katina Mooneyham is a freelance writer from central Ohio. She is a full time stay at home mother homeschooling her two children. Katina likes to read, hike, take nature walks, write and garden. Teaching her kids about gardening is a big priority.