Cape Town - How can you encourage your children to garden this summer? Transforming a bare patch into a garden of flowers and vegetables is entirely achievable in a short time. It is also fun and educational for kids, who learn about plants, the seasons, wildlife, soil and how to grow their own food.
To retain a child’s interest, start a garden with the easiest and fastest-growing plants. This includes brightly coloured annuals such as nasturtiums, and vegetables that are relatively pest-free and quick to mature. Here is a list of plants that will impress children:
* Sunflowers are popular because they grow to impressive heights. Sow seeds directly into the ground in an open, sunny spot. The emerging plants need little after-care, apart from regular watering.
* Other popular annuals for children include nasturtiums, marigolds and alyssum. The first two are brightly coloured and attractive, and butterflies and bees love alyssum. Sow seeds now by scattering them on moist soil and gently raking them in. Water every day with a fine sprinkler.
* Pumpkins can be grown by placing seeds between two or three layers of damp kitchen towel. Put the parcel in a plastic container and leave in a cupboard. The children can check every few days to see whether the seeds have sprouted. As soon as they have, plant them in small pots, put in a partially shaded place and water regularly. Transplant seedlings into a composted bed when they are 5cm tall.Keep watered and mulched.
* The Jack and the Beanstalk associations make growing climbing French beans fun for children. Grow up a tepee of bamboo poles to make a “tent”. Place the seeds 15cm apart, directly below bamboo canes. Water liberally when flowers form.
* Most children love eating fresh strawberries, and if you buy young plants now, they will fruit this season. Grow in containers in good potting soil in a sunny spot. Although strawberries need soil kept moist at all times, they hate waterlogged soil. After harvesting, use the runners – the shoots they put out – to make new plants. This can be done easily and quickly by pegging down new runners in fresh compost in another pot, where they will take root.
* Tomatoes can be grown in containers on a patio, or in garden beds. Buy seedlings, scatter cherry tomato seed in a sunny bed or sow in small pots or a seed tray. Scatter on the surface of dampened compost; cover with cling film. As the plants grow, they will need to be attached to stakes. When ripened, tomatoes are magnets for little hands, especially cherry tomatoes. - Cape Argus