Getting kids into the garden

A few weeks ago I was asked by a second-grade teacher if she could bring her class to Sunny Hill Garden Center on a field trip. I usually decline to conduct these visits during our spring rush for safety reasons.

We are usually short-handed, we have lots of customers on the premises and sometimes we have tractors and forklifts moving around. Dortha Strack or I gladly lead these visits in the summer and fall when there is less activity going on at the garden center.

Because Ms. Babchek had some leverage, (my granddaughter Kelsi is in her class), I agreed to the visit last week. Bright and early on Tuesday morning, I was greeted by 16 smiling faces, about half that number of parents and one teacher. The second-grade class of Trinity Lutheran School had arrived.

During these field trips, I seldom have anything prepared to present. I usually ask the kids questions to find out what they know and what they are interested in. Then I talk about things they may not have covered in class, and I also try to reinforce information that they have had in class.

I must say I was very pleasantly surprised. This class of second-graders knew all about the importance of plants.

They knew that plants provide us with food, oxygen, shade, beauty and controlled erosion. They knew that plants get their energy from the sun and then pass that energy on to us through food.

They also knew a lot about seeds. They knew that seeds come with their own food, that roots develop before leaves and shoots, and that water is needed for germination. They knew that sunlight is needed for the development of chlorophyll (the pigment that makes plants green).

One student even asked something about grafting.

Wow! These students knew more about the importance of plants than a class of college students I taught a few years ago. I think our future is in good hands.

I mention this field trip because you can be a positive influence on a child through gardening while having fun at the same time. You don't have to spend a lot of money or develop any of your own teaching aids. There are numerous items on the market that can help you.

I found a company that makes small insect-collection nets and containers. There are even books for youngsters to use in identifying insects and information about some of the more common ones.

If your children are interested in growing plants, help them plant a garden. Make it small. A 4-by-4-foot area in the sun will do just fine. If you're not sure what to plant, pick up a Kidz Garden Kit. They have just what you need for your child to plant flowers, veggies or vines.

If your children are into birds, there are inexpensive bird identification books available, too. Set up a bird feeder by their bedroom window or near the kitchen window. Get them to make a chart of what birds they see and when. Help them build a birdhouse and put it where they can monitor the family.

Don't forget the little kids at your house. I have found puzzles that teach children shapes while teaching them about different butterflies, animals and plant leaves.

There are lots of ways to get your kids interested in gardening. The neat thing about your efforts is that you will have some great times with them, while teaching them about the environment and giving them lessons in assuming responsibility.

Send your gardening and landscape questions to Paul Schnare at P.O. Box 699; Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0699 or by e-mail to news@semissourian.com.