Some things I've learned about gardening with kids:
(1)Start with cool weather plants
We have frosts into May. So, we began by planting things that tolerate light frosts: peas, onions, & lettuce
(2)Plant "showy" plants like tall sunflowers or bright pumpkins. Just start them indoors 1st & add mini greenhouses to protect them. (Kids can make these by cutting soda bottles as shown.)
(3) Make signs
This adds some visual interest when the plants are very small.
(4) Include art I had the kids create pictures with seeds. This gives them something enjoyable to do as they wait for seeds to sprout.
(5) Make it fun!
Even if the tasks are things like weed and water, you can assign them various things by having them roll dice.
Snacks also increase the enjoyment factor.
I was just working with 5th graders, but our younger son (2nd grade) says I definitely have to let his grade pick the pumpkins in the fall. So, I can tell he's seeing how exciting & magical it is to grow something!
And there are lots of life lessons in the garden.
These thank you cards to the kids read, "Life is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers or you can grow weeds."
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