As technology continues to take over our way of life, the traditional image of children swinging in play parks with mud on their knees is slowly turning to one of a solitary child fixated on a tablet computer or smartphone. We sigh as we remember the great outdoors that today’s children may never know.
Although time moves on and culture changes, sometimes it is good to get away from the noise of being constantly connected to technology. With the summer holidays just around the corner, what better opportunity than the garden to get the kids back to nature?
Joanne Evans, of Aberdeenshire-based gardening school Gardening4Kids, knows all about encouraging children out doors. Joanne advises that offering fun and practical activities from the comfort of your own garden can go a long way towards creating valuable and lasting memories for the whole family.
Gardening with children encourages an interest in nature and enthusiasm early on, and gives them invaluable basic life skills and an understanding of the world around them.
She shares some of her top activities for you to try this summer:
Feed the Birds
“Having a bird feeder will attract more birds to your garden, and creating one with the kids makes for a fun and productive afternoon. There are dozens of ways to make a bird feeder, but be sure you check what’s safe for birds to consume before putting it together!”
Make Your Own Compost
“Making your own compost is a fantastic way to not only peak your child’s interest in gardening but also educate them on becoming greener! Fruit and vegetable peelings, shredded paper or cardboard, coffee grounds and split used teabags can all be added to your bin.
Grass clippings should be used in equal quantities with other types of material; otherwise your compost will become green and slimy. Make sure that the heap starts to generate heat and is turned regularly to allow the air to circulate.”
Sow, Water and Grow . . .
“A successful harvest is priceless in boosting a child’s confidence and sense of achievement. Growing their own fruit and vegetables also means that children are less likely to be ‘fussy eaters’, and develop a healthy attitude to getting their five a day. Start off with some easy to grow seeds with a short growth cycle. Radish, rocket and lettuce are all good choices. Strawberries are also easy to grow and tasty too!
If you prefer something more colourful, sunflowers are always a popular choice. Why not host a tallest sunflower competition – it can be a lot of fun!”
If You Don’t Have a Garden . . .
“There are still plenty of fun activities to get your children involved in nature. Paint and decorate some terracotta pots to display on your windowsill – try planting a variety of herbs as they take up little space. Cress is another good option for indoor growing.
Children will also delight in making ‘grass heads’. Put a dessertspoon full of grass seed in the toe end of an old pair of tights or a stocking, fill it with compost and knot the open end. Decorate your head, place on a pot of water and wait for the hair to grow!”
For more tips and ideas on how to keep your kids occupied this summer don’t miss Gardening4Kids at the inaugural Scottish Kids Show, taking place at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on the June 28-29.