Get Kids In The Garden This Spring By Planting These Easy Treats

GET READY FOR PLANTING

With winter moving out and spring moving in, all I can think about is getting my garden started; and I don't even have a garden. However, I do find a way to plant a few things around my yard, and remember having the opportunity my parents and grandparents gave me as a child, to have my own little garden. I spoke to Master Gardener Joseph Storlien, about how to get kids interested in gardening. Joe had the greatest advice. "I find the best way to get kids interested in gardening, is through their stomach."

Joseph gave me a list of easy to grow delicious garden treats that just might give your kids the little nudge they need to get outside and in the garden. It's also a great way to help them understand where their food comes from.

MINI SWEET PEPPERS

Joseph has young children also; and says that his kids love mini sweet peppers.

KIDS AND GARDENING IDEAS

Joseph said sweet peppers are just a treat that is bright, colorful and tasty, and all of those things can really get your childs interest.

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CHERRY TOMATOES AND GROUND CHERRIES

Another easy to grow vegetable the kids can help with? How about cute, colorful little tomatoes? Kids can spot them right away, and the little tomatoes are just the right size for snacking for children. Joseph taught me a secret today too! Ground Cherries are about the same size as little cherry tomatoes, but when they are ripe, they are a bright yellow color. Because of this, the birds don't see them as easily, and sometimes they will leave them alone because of that. Who knew?

Other things that kids really might enjoy planting? Cucamelons! Cucamelons look like little tiny watermelons, about the size of your fingernail, but have sort of a sweet cucumber taste..They vine and one vining plant is plenty to feed a family of four or five people. Cucamelons are great on salads, or as a sweet little snack for you and your family.

GARDEN EDUCATION DAY

Todd County will be holding a Garden Education Day on Saturday, March 26th from 8:15 am to 3:05 pm, at the First Baptist Church, at 401 4th Street South in Long Prairie.

Anyone and everyone in central Minnesota is welcome to attend this event. Registration is $35.00 and includes morning refreshments, lunch and a whole bunch of gardening sessions to choose from, including the following topics:

• Jumping Worms in Minnesota
• Native Plants for Shade & Woodlands
• Native Plants for Sun & Sand
• Designing & Growing Containers
• Starting Plants From Seeds
• Peony Old-Fashioned Favorite
• Cutting Garden & Flowers
• Succulent Gardening
• Growing Apples in Zone 3
• Introduction to Rock Gardens
• Prairie Plants for Rock Gardens
• Enjoy Gardening Inside
• Vegetable Gardening 101
• Soil: Starting from the Ground Up- This will be Joe's class!
• Getting Kids Interested in Gardening-This will be taught by Joe also!
• Northern Accent Roses
• Outwitting Peter Rabbit & Bambi
• Continuous Color in the Garden

There will be two morning sessions you can attend and the a break for lunch, catered by Griff's Pizza, and the two afternoon sessions. Don't forget to visit with the vendors and check the door prize postings. (You must be present to win).

You can also bring a water sample for water nitrates testing by the Sauk River Watershed.

To attend the event, or for more information you can click HERE now or email toddctymg@gmail.com.