We recently adopted a plot at one of our local community gardens. I am always searching for ways to give back to the community with my children in tow – we’ve picked up trash, helped landscape at our school, donated items for animals, donated books to Children’s Hospital, and my children have a separate piggy bank for savings that go to their favorite charity each year (most of the time it is about $7 in coins, but every little bit counts and teaches my children the value of helping others). I am always searching for ways to make a difference. Now, we have a plot that will grow food to be donated to those less fortunate. One of the places taking our fresh “homegrown” food will be a church pantry that feeds the needy and homeless.
We love helping others, but for me the best part about our family plot is that it is something we do together. My husband, children, and I get to spend lots of quality time with each other digging in the dirt. As a family, we decided to grow the three sisters: corn, beans, and squash in honor of the Native Americans that once lived in our area. We weeded, created our mounds, planted seed, and every day we go over and water and check up
on our seedlings. My 4 and 6 year olds love to water and pick weeds…and chase each other around the garden. I love taking the opportunity for teachable moments with my children, as well. We talk about how seeds become plants, why plants need water and sun, and composting. It is also an opportunity to discuss the wildlife – we are getting good at identifying birds and insects.
Gardening and working in the dirt can be done in your backyard too. Take advantage of container gardening or square foot gardening. I’ve been gardening with my children since they were babies. Just tell them which weeds to pull or help them water the plants – they can do lots to help out! Plus, it is fun to watch the kids get excited about new blooms or green shoots coming up. When my daughter was tiny she’d clap for the plant, now she identifies how the plant is different from one day or week to the next.
It is not too late to get some seeds or plants into the ground or a container. Plants are sold at lots of places such as the weekly farmers’ markets, The Andersons, Whole Foods, Oakland Nursery locations, Home Depot, Lowes, and some local grocery stores may have plants, just to name a few!
If you want to find out more about community gardens, try calling your local churches, Local Matters, Sustainable Worthington, and seriously, just google your city and “community garden.” I did a search on “Westerville Community Garden” and I found a great blog: http://www.3sistersgarden.blogspot.com/. Also, you can donate from your own garden. Check it out – Mid-Ohio Food Bank takes garden donations or your can Plant a Row for the Hungry: http://www.midohiofoodbank.org/give/give-food.
Happy family gardening!
