Grow, Garden, Grow!

So I’m a notorious plant killer. But since moving into our new home, I’ve tried really hard to change my ways. So far I’m actually keeping some hard-to-kill house plants alive and green!

Now we’re starting a vegetable garden in the backyard. It’s September, and the veggies might not grow enough before the first frost. So I’m tossing all expectations of a perfect garden into the compost. No matter what happens, it’ll be good memory making with my son.

As you can see above, it all started when Ezra wanted to plant the seeds of some liechi berries he’d eaten. Then we planted beans. Within days, little sprouts popped up! Ezra got so excited peeking outside every day to see the changes. I wondered if planting a vegetable garden next wouldn’t be the worst idea.

Are they growing yet, mom?

My little guy waits for the seeds to sprout after planting them: arugula, spinach, zucchini, cucumber, and carrots. I can’t take credit for the tomato plant at the end, though. We transplanted it from Trader Joes ;)

Experiences like this are special first hand, but pairing them with a book can help your child make many more learning connections. If you’re looking for a read-aloud about gardening or exploring the outdoors, check out How to Say Hello to a Worm — A First Guide to Outside. Children learn how plants grow and how to interact with the friendly critters around us, such as worms, lady bugs, and bees.

I hope to instill respect and care for nature in my son as we learn how to care for our little garden together.

What about you? How do you enjoy the outdoors with your child?

Next week, take the train with us…

Tomorrow we’ll be hopping the train to Washington DC for the first time! Can you tell we’re excited to explore the historical city? Can’t wait to tell you all about it next week!

Packing our suitcase for WA DC.