Growing a Garden Expands Education

Every child I have ever known loves to play in the dirt and it may be one of the best ways to engage your child in the educational process without him even knowing what hit him.  Planting a garden gives a child a first hand knowledge of science, math, and geography.  Gardening also gives a child a personal stake in the vegetables that are grown so he might be more likely to try what’s for dinner – especially if it’s his.

Starting a garden requires a basic knowledge of how things grow.  The child can research the plants that are best for his region and the time of year.  He can use science and math to pick the best location for the garden.  Geography can be used to lay out the garden (especially if you choose to do a space saving garden like a “square foot” garden.

Determining the location and the best plants is just the beginning.  Each plant requires a different planting method.  Each plant must be watered and weeded regularly.  Each plant must be watched for pests and diseases.  And finally, the harvest must be taken in.

Planting a garden gives a child the chance to grow things they might otherwise never try.  It lets him use hands on experience to learn about science and math and geography.  And more importantly, it will give you and your child time together that you might never had any other way.