Something to Grow By: The Spring Garden
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 11:59AM
If there is one thing that toddlers love, it is projects that have a tangible outcome. I'm sure you have seen your little one parade around with a drawing, delight in mastering a dance, or celebrate the completion of puzzle. Attaining goals is truly soul lifting.
If there is something toddlers can lack, it is patience. The practice required to attain many goals is fraught with frustration and the stuff that spawns tantrums.
But I am here to evangelize about one activity that fosters patience while offering remarkable, edible goals: the spring garden. The virtues of the spring garden are many. The optimal time to plant is when cabin fever is at its highest, meaning both you and your little one get out into the gresh air. Long early spring days in the garden occur in the absence of burning sun rays and voracious winged insects, but they often include a chance to observe migrating birds, or noting the emergence of summer flowers. And perhaps best of all, many early season crops are fast, meaning that you and your little one will be able to watch germination, growth, and harvest, all in just a few short weeks.
Check out these great spring crops:
|
Crop |
Time to Harvest |
|
Lettuce |
28 days |
|
Spinach |
34 days |
|
Radishes |
21 Days |
|
Snow peas |
60 days |
But success in the spring garden does require some planning. Here are five tips for success:
- Do not work wet soil
- Amend you soil with compost
- Plant in a sunny spot
- Stay ahead of early weeds
- Don’t fear harvesting early: when your spring crops are done it will be time for tomatoes and cukes!
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