by Laurie Keit

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When I was growing up, the extent of my gardening experience was sprouting lima beans between paper towels and the side of a drinking glass. Today many schools and communities have teaching gardens to expose children to the importance of sustainability.

Gardening has also become more popular as tough economic times have spurred many people to go back to basics and grow their own food. Community gardens are helping provide much-needed produce for struggling families, while teaching kids valuable lessons about the food chain and the cycle of life.

If your child does not have hands-on access to a garden, volunteers are welcome at a number of local gardens.

• The Community Garden at Quarry Park in El Granada has spaces to rent. Children ages 3-17 can go to Blue Sky Farms at Highway 1 and Mirada through May 15 to register, get plants, and also get instructions for the Great Pumpkin Growing Contest taking place on October 24 at the Quarry Park Community Garden.

Marj Davis picking a strawberry at Pacifica Gardens. Photo: Mary Knippel.

• Elkus Ranch in Half Moon Bay offers school and group tours. Visitors will learn about the relationships between the plant and animal kingdoms and how they relate to food and fiber production. Volunteers are welcome. Children under 12 must be supervised.

• Pacifica Gardens, featured in the August 2009 CoastViews, is developing edible demonstration gardens to inspire both school and backyard gardeners.

If your child’s school does not yet have a gardening program, why not start one? A like-minded group of parent volunteers can make this a reality.

For home gardens, talk to your children and see what excites them. Some theme ideas include a tactile garden, a full-sensory garden, an edible garden, a hummingbird or butterfly garden, a cut-flower garden, and a “chocolate” garden with chocolate-scented and chocolate-colored plants.

Begin by finding something fun to put the plants in. Containers are a great way to introduce children to gardening. Pest control is simplified and the containers can be moved to take advantage of changing sun patterns. An old wagon or wheelbarrow drilled for drainage can be a great personal garden for a child.

Herb garden at Pacifica Gardens. Photo: Mary Knippel.

Wash the container with a bleach solution to kill germs and bacteria before filling with fresh potting mix, ideally organic. Reusing potting soil can introduce pests and diseases into the new garden.

Seeds can be sprouted on paper or tea towels and then planted. Creativity and recycled materials can make such a garden affordable. For more ideas for children’s gardens, see my article in the May 2007 issue of CoastViews.

Happy Gardening!

Laurie Keit is a freelance writer and the owner of Seasonal Celebrations — a garden, floral and event design company. An 18-year Pacifica resident, she may be contacted at 650-722-0091 or by e-mail at laurie@seasonalcelebrations.com.