UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties
- Author: Maggie Mah
Published on: July 2, 2024
Gardening in containers is great for so many reasons, not the least of which is that almost everyone can have the opportunity to grow something, including food! From the tiniest windowsill to the most expansive acreage, plants in pots can be any size and placed almost anywhere, including established landscape areas. Even better, containers can be moved around to take advantage of sun, shade and seasonal shelter. For those with access to in-ground planting, containers provide solutions to areas with poor soil, gophers and experimentation with different plants before committing to landscape changes. Opportunities for unique containers and intriguing floral and foliage combinations are endless-- maybe even a tad overwhelming. Whether it's a simple pot of herbs or a major statement, here are the essentials.
What Can I Grow?
Given the right conditions, pretty much anything that grows in the ground can be grown in a container, including most vegetables, annual and perennial flowers, succulents, roses, dwarf fruit and citrus tree varieties. What makes the difference between success and failure boils down to meeting the plant's requirements for light, water, drainage, soil and nutrients. Just like regular gardening, right? Yes, but… Containerized plants are just that, contained. Unlike plants in the ground, they can't go beyond the boundaries of the pot to seek what they need. Since they are above ground, they are also more vulnerable to temperature extremes.
What's the Best Location?
To determine what you will be able to grow successfully, start by observing the patterns of light and shade at various times of the day in potential locations. If you want to grow vegetables, look for areas that receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. The amount of space available is another consideration: you'll need enough to accommodate the size of the container for the plants you want to grow. If your space is small and shaded most of the day, sun loving plants such as tomatoes or roses won't work but lettuces and many succulents will be very happy. Avoid areas that are often buffeted by prevailing winds, which are likely to be west and northwest-facing spots.
Also: ensure that balconies, decks, steps, rooftops and other structures are sound and can support the weight of planted containers. When choosing your location, make sure that it includes a convenient source of water. Containerized plants need to be watered more frequently than plants in the ground and carting containers of water around gets old fast!
Pick the Right Pot
Almost any container can be used if there are holes in the bottom and enough depth to hold the soil and roots of the plant or plants you want to grow. This is especially important for edible plantings because a pot that is too shallow will affect the plant's growth and result in stunted, less productive plants. Shallow rooted plants such as lettuce and herbs can be grown in 6 to 10 inches of soil whereas indeterminate tomatoes need 18 to 24 inches. Perennials and taller plants usually have larger root systems than annuals so greater depth is required here as well. If in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to go bigger and deeper.
Use the Right Soil
No matter what you want to grow, only a good quality mixture formulated specifically for containers will do. “Potting mix” or “potting soil” is lighter, holds moisture, supports roots and allows for proper drainage. Do not use “planting mix,” “garden soil,” or “topsoil” as they are too heavy and will not provide what is needed in a contained situation. You may also want to add a bit of compost and plan on fertilizing more often than in-ground plants.
Irrigation Imperatives
How often your plants need water will vary depending on the plant variety, seasonal temperatures, how much sun is received and type of pot material. A good way to determine if your plants need water is to check the top inch of soil. If it feels dry to the touch, water is needed. When water runs out of the drainage holes, you will know you've watered enough. If, however, the top inch feels damp, you can wait for a bit.
Adequate Drainage
Good drainage is vital to any garden, but it is especially important for plants in containers. Since they need more frequent watering than plants in the ground, it's essential that moisture can flow properly. Make sure there are enough holes at the bottom and that the holes are not blocked. If pots are on impervious surfaces, elevate them a bit with small blocks of wood or pot “feet” to allow water to drain and prevent stagnation. A layer of rock or gravel is often put in the bottom of the container because it is believed to improve drainage. Not only does it not work, it makes things worse. Here's why: water moves easily through fine-textured potting soil which allows moisture to move down the container by gravity and capillary action. Rock, gravel and other hard materials do not have capillary pores so when water hits the hard stuff, it stops moving and forms a wet layer above the rock, thereby reducing the available room for plant roots and increasing the chances for unhealthy water logging. For the same reason, rock and pot shards used to contain potting soil can also block drainage. Use small pieces of screen instead.
Material Matters
In addition to size and depth, what a container is made of will affect what you want to grow. Considerations such as cost, weight, durability and overall aesthetics are important but understanding functionality is key. Here's a brief overview: Terracotta provides aeration but dries out more readily, whereas plastic holds in moisture. Metal is durable but can get too hot for many plants. Ceramics are colorful but difficult to drill holes to ensure adequate drainage. Fabric “grow bags” are inexpensive, easy to store and promote healthy root growth. Although homely, they are great for vegetables. Cedar or redwood planters resist decay and other types of wood can be used if not previously treated with arsenic-based preservatives. Lastly, beware of choosing pots with narrow openings. They may look great but once the roots have spread, you will have trouble extricating the plant when it comes time to divide or re-pot.
For more on container soils:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucmgnapa/files/81894.pdf
https://ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/files/318396.pdf
https://ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/files/318396.pdf
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Maggie Mah is a UC Master Gardener of San Mateo and San Francisco
Counties.
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo-San Francisco County are volunteers who
are trained under the auspices of the University of California to provide science-
based information on plants, horticulture, soil, and pest management at no
charge to the public. For more information about classes and events in your area,
to sign up for our newsletter and get answers to all your gardening questions via
the Helpline, visit our website: http://smsf-mastergardeners.ucanr.edu/
Lettuces and herbs grow well in shallower containers. Plant multiples for frequent harvesting.
Pixabay Royalty Free Image
Vegetables with similar requirements for sun, water and root depth can be grown together. Here, peppers and onions create a fun combo.
Pixabay Royalty Free Image
The possibilities for creative containers are endless! Here, red ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) floats above silvery dusty miller (Senecio cineraria) and trailing, sage green licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolane.)
Pixabay Royalty Free Image
Size, material and adequate drainage are key criteria in choosing containers for plants.
Pixabay Royalty Free Image
Focus Area Tags: Yard & Garden
Comments: 0
- Author: Maggie Mah
Published on: June 2, 2024
It's a fact. Gardening is great exercise with big benefits for both physical and mental health. It's also hard work and many of the tasks we do in the garden can lead to aches and injuries if not done properly. Here's the good news: paying
attention to how you move your body and using the right tools can keep you gardening happily for many years to come. We call this idea “Gardenomics” or ergonomic gardening. (And, p.s., it has nothing to do with terminally cute garden statuary.)
The Center for Disease Control defines ergonomics as “the scientific study of people at work,” the goal of which is to “reduce stress and eliminate injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks.” Sound familiar? Here are basic movements that are frequently done while working in the garden and how to do them “Gardenomically:”
Bending
Rounding the back or hunching over puts significant force on the lower back. Save yourself by “hinging” from the hips and keeping your back long and flat. If you need to get closer to the ground, try going down on one knee with the other leg at a 90°degree angle while maintaining a flat back.
Reaching
Work with your hands close to the body, preferably in the area between the shoulders and hips. Reaching above or below this “zone” will cause your back to arch or round. Also: working with your arms extended is less efficient and puts strain on elbows and shoulders. If you find yourself stretching too far, change your position or find a tool to help you do what needs to be done.
Twisting/bending sideways
Avoid these movements to maintain a neutral spine. Also, lateral (side) muscles are usually weaker than front abdominals and are more easily strained. Face your task head on and keep your feet pointed straight to the work area. Turn by moving your feet instead of twisting.
Lifting
Keep your back flat, bend at the knees and engage the large muscles in your legs and glutes to lift heavy objects. Consider lightening the load by purchasing soil and other bulk items in smaller packages.
Carrying
Hold objects close to the body, not out in front or at a distance. Use hands and arms (not just fingers!) to grip.
Kneeling
Use a foam cushion or wear knee pads to protect your knees and change your position frequently. Be mindful of bending and reaching while kneeling!
Handwork
Keep your wrist straight with your thumbs pointed up and avoid bending or twisting the wrist when using hand tools. “Thumbs up” position will also help keep elbows down and arms closer to the body. Wear relatively thin, well-fitting gloves for protection and enhanced dexterity. Repetitive “pinching” motions (weeding, seeding) put a lot of stress on the tendons. Use tools to facilitate weeding and take frequent breaks.
More “Gardenomic” Tips
Use the right tools: Make sure cutting tools are sharp, oiled and fit your hands. Shovels should have a wide enough ledge to accommodate your foot and allow you to use your body weight to dig. Shop for ergonomic gardening tools to make jobs easier.
Toting buckets
Carry two at a time to keep yourself balanced and to avoid twisting or hunching. Hold one bucket in each hand, with thumbs facing forward.
Pruning
Avoid tilting your head back and arching your neck. Use long-handled tools or a ladder to get closer to the area you want to prune. If using a ladder, take care to observe safety precautions, be sure your balance is good enough to use a ladder, and have another person nearby.
Moving things
Rolling is better than carrying and a cart is better than a wheelbarrow. Here's why: with only one wheel, the wheelbarrow requires lifting the entire load before it will move. It is also more likely to be unsteady which can cause injury. With a cart, the load is more balanced over the wheels, more stable and requires less lifting to move. Don't load too much. An overloaded vehicle is more likely to tip and cause an injury.
Push, don't pull
Pulling a load causes your back to round, torso to twist and places strain on your shoulders. Pushing, on the other hand, involves using powerful gluteus muscles and gives them a great workout. Push with both arms to avoid twisting.
Garden design
Construct raised beds narrow enough to minimize reaching and high enough to minimize bending. Paths should be wide enough to easily maneuver carts, tarps and other equipment. Narrow pathways increase the likelihood of twisting or becoming unbalanced when transporting loads or equipment. If lower maintenance is part of your goal, consider perennial plants and natives over annuals.
Leave the leaves
Raking and bundling leaves is labor intensive and counter- productive to a healthy garden. Leave them be to enrich the soil and save your energy for other tasks. Remember, gardening is a workout so take a few minutes to warm up before getting started, be sure to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and do some stretches to loosen up when you are done. Happy gardening.
Resources
For more about the health benefits of gardening go to:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/gardening-may-bring-a-harvest-of-health-benefits
https://ucanr.edu/sites/Mariposa/files/323411.pdf
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/gardening-may-bring-a-harvest-of-health-benefits
https://ucanr.edu/sites/Mariposa/files/323411.pdf
For more about gardening ergonomics go to:
https://uhs.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/ergonomics_tips_for_gardening_at_home.pdf
https://uhs.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/ergonomics_tips_for_gardening_at_home.pdf
For more about ergonomics, go to:
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Maggie Mah is a UC Master Gardener of San Mateo and San Francisco
Counties.
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo-San Francisco County are volunteers who
are trained under the auspices of the University of California to provide science-
based information on plants, horticulture, soil, and pest management at no
charge to the public. For more information about classes and events in your area,
to sign up for our newsletter and get answers to all your gardening questions via
the Helpline, visit our website: http://smsf-mastergardeners.ucanr.edu/
It's important to take breaks and stretch when you are gardening.
Royalty free image from Pixabay.
Keep garden tools clean and in good repair or consider re-purposing them like the ones here.
Royalty free image from Pixabay.
Extending the arms away from the body causes the back to round and puts excessive pressure on the vertebrae.
Photo courtesy of UC Master Gardener Norine Cepernich.
Focus Area Tags: Yard & Garden
Comments: 0
- Author: Maggie Mah
Published on: May 2, 2024
It's May and spring is busting out all over! After months of gray skies and wet, chilly days, we can rejoice at the sight of each tender shoot, leaf and bud. With the resurgence of life all around us, it may seem as if the state of the natural
world may not be so bad after all. But, like other things that have negative implications for our well-being, it's easier to think of ecological problems, like loss of habitat and biodiversity, as happening somewhere other than the place you
call home. As much as we humans would like to think of “nature” as being in a place we go to visit on weekends and habitat loss as something we associate with iconic species of wildlife and tall trees, our survival depends on the less
exciting plants and animals that we see every day. It's understandable. Also understandable is the overwhelming sense that there is nothing that anyone can do about it. Now for the good news: there is plenty you can do and if more of us pitch in, we can make a big difference.
What is biodiversity?
The term, “biodiversity” (from biological + diversity) applies to everything that lives in a particular area- trees, lizards, birds, bees-- even algae. All of the plants and animals that have evolved together over the last 4.5 billion years are interrelated, each serves a purpose in maintaining the balance necessary for a healthy ecosystem. Why does it matter? According to the United Nations Climate Action initiative, “Biodiversity is our strongest natural defense against climate change.” We depend on biodiversity for food, water, medicine, climate stability and yes, economic growth. Plants convert carbon into oxygen and remove pollutants from our water. Meanwhile, insects whose job it is to decompose are fundamental for recycling nutrients, allowing plants and animals to exist. Other insects (famously bees) along with birds and mammals do the work of pollinating plants and dispersing seeds.
What Causes Loss of Biodiversity?
Some fluctuation in the number of plant and animal species in an area is natural and to be expected. Populations can also be temporarily disrupted by other factors such as weather and fire. However, the primary cause of significant and lasting loss of biodiversity, is human activity. Ever since man discovered how to hunt Woolly Mammoths, we humans have been disrupting the natural balance. Today, less than 5% of the natural world remains. The rest is dedicated to large scale agriculture, farming, lumber, housing, transportation and infrastructure.
California is a Global Hot Spot
California has the most species of any other state. It has the highest number of both rare and endemic species. It also has the highest number of endangered species. Over 30% of the plant and animal species in California are threatened
with extinction. Conservation International has designated California as one of 36 places in the world with exceptional numbers of endemic species that are also experiencing high rates of habitat loss. California leads the nation in efforts to protect at-risk species, but very few plants and animals are actually protected. Something else to worry about: recent legislation intended to alleviate the housing crisis mandates a ten-fold increase in the number of single and multiple family homes to be built in the State over the next 8 to 9 years. This may be good news for people but it will bring more challenges to the issue of biodiversity.
with extinction. Conservation International has designated California as one of 36 places in the world with exceptional numbers of endemic species that are also experiencing high rates of habitat loss. California leads the nation in efforts to protect at-risk species, but very few plants and animals are actually protected. Something else to worry about: recent legislation intended to alleviate the housing crisis mandates a ten-fold increase in the number of single and multiple family homes to be built in the State over the next 8 to 9 years. This may be good news for people but it will bring more challenges to the issue of biodiversity.
Here's What We Can Do
Lose, shrink, or replace turf grass lawns: Those nice, nostalgic carpets of green are thirsty, labor and chemical-intense monocultures that contribute very little to biodiversity and occupy space that could be much better utilized by plants that contribute to biodiversity. If you want to retain traditional green areas, there are species of grass and sedge that make great alternatives. If only turf grass will do, consider “low mow” practices which support insect life.
A note about HOAs: Homeowners Associations can have a lot of say in matters of landscaping and their influence is growing. A US Census Bureau report from 2022 reported that over 80% of new housing is governed by HOAs. Maintaining a neat and tidy landscape, which often includes a traditional lawn, is frequently required by these organizations.
Although this is changing in some areas, it's not in others. If you want to encourage better biodiversity, talk to your neighbors and HOA governing board about the benefits of “messier” landscaping. Improving the health of all organisms that live in the neighborhood is just one.
Plant Natives
Plants that are native to a particular location are uniquely suited to foster the insects, birds and other wildlife that have evolved with them. Finding out about the plants that have grown historically where you live is fascinating and like traveling back in time. Non-natives can co-exist with natives but will do less to support pollinators and other insects.
Avoid Invasive Plants
Lots of plant species from other parts of the world are often popular choices for landscaping. They usually grow very successfully in our mild climate and can quickly take over and destroy the ability of any natives to support habitat.
About Pesticides
Chemical products designed to kill unwanted insects and weeds will undo all the good work of creating healthy biodiversity. A better approach is to wait and let Nature do its work. Beneficial insects will usually take care of overpopulations of unwanted bugs. Intruders to your home, like ants, can be kept at bay by sealing up cracks and fissures.
For more on California Native Plants:
For more on biodiversity:
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=44224https://resources.ca.gov/-/media/CNRA-Website/Files/Biodiversityday2022/Biodiversity-Fact-Sheet-2022.pdf
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=44224https://resources.ca.gov/-/media/CNRA-Website/Files/Biodiversityday2022/Biodiversity-Fact-Sheet-2022.pdf
For more on California Natives:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/MGsSMSF/California_Native_Gardening/
https://ucanr.edu/sites/MGsSMSF/California_Native_Gardening/
----------------------------------------
Maggie Mah is a UC Master Gardener of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties.
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo-San Francisco County are volunteers who are trained under the auspices of the University of California to provide science- based information on plants, horticulture, soil, and pest management at no charge to the public. For more information and to find out about classes and events in your area, visit our website where you can also sign up for our newsletter and contact our Helpline: http://smsf-mastergardeners.ucanr.edu/
California native plants such as Ceanothus (“California Lilac”) are hardy, low maintenance and support bees and other insects.
Yarrow is an easy to grow, low maintenance, water thrifty plant that provides food for pollinators. Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolia) is white or cream color.
Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) is a perennial with bristly centers much loved by bees.
Focus Area Tags: Yard & Garden
Comments: 0
- Author: Maggie Mah
Published on: April 2, 2024
“My garden is cursed! All I have is shade and nothing will grow,” wailed the neighbor. Living as we do in “Sunny California,” it may seem downright unfair but almost every garden has some shady spots, and they are often the most troublesome to deal with. And, as buildings get taller and are built closer together, shaded areas are more common and dreams of having verdant outdoor spaces, native plants and pollinators may seem out of reach. But don't despair--gardening successfully in shaded areas requires more planning and proper plant selection but the results are well worth it.
A Few Benefits of Shade
-More water efficiency: shade gardens dry more slowly so plants need less water overall.
-Lower maintenance: plants in shaded areas grow more slowly and therefore require less pruning and deadheading.
-Less fertilizer: because they grow more slowly, shade-loving plants require less frequent applications of fertilizer. A layer of compost and a topping of mulch may be all that's needed.
-Fewer weeds: what we think of as unwanted vegetation usually prefers sunny growing conditions.
-Another reason to lose the lawn: traditional lawn grasses don't usually do well in low light areas. There are plenty of shade-loving ground covers that fill the need for low-growing greenery.
Name Your Shade
There are different types of shade, and the type of shade can change according to the hour and the season. First: spend time observing how much light is present in a particular location, how it changes throughout the day and at different times of the year. This is a crucial step in determining which plants will do well in your garden. From most to least, here are the main categories of shade:
-Full shade: these are places that receive little to no direct sunlight throughout the day. Typical locations for these darker areas are on north-facing sides of a structure, in areas bordered by tall buildings, trees and fences, or spots that are covered by roof overhangs.
-Part shade: locations where sunlight is blocked for a portion of the day by buildings, walls, large trees or natural terrain. As the sun moves from east to west, the light changes as the day progresses. Areas that receive morning light may be shaded in the afternoon and vice versa. In general, east-facing areas that receive morning sun and become shadier in the afternoon are better suited to shade-loving plants. Western facing areas are more likely to receive hot afternoon sun are not suitable and will result in damaged foliage and heat-stressed plants.
-Full shade: these are places that receive little to no direct sunlight throughout the day. Typical locations for these darker areas are on north-facing sides of a structure, in areas bordered by tall buildings, trees and fences, or spots that are covered by roof overhangs.
-Part shade: locations where sunlight is blocked for a portion of the day by buildings, walls, large trees or natural terrain. As the sun moves from east to west, the light changes as the day progresses. Areas that receive morning light may be shaded in the afternoon and vice versa. In general, east-facing areas that receive morning sun and become shadier in the afternoon are better suited to shade-loving plants. Western facing areas are more likely to receive hot afternoon sun are not suitable and will result in damaged foliage and heat-stressed plants.
-Dappled shade: this usually occurs in areas where overhead tree branches create a mottled pattern of sun and shadow below. The amount of shade will vary according to the type, number, and size of the trees as well as exposure and time of year.
Seasonal changes
Shade conditions will also vary according to the time of year. In general, there will be more shade in the winter because the angle of the sun is lower than it is in the summer. Areas that are very shaded in the middle of winter may be a lot sunnier later in the year when the sun is higher in the sky. Just to make things more interesting, places near deciduous trees and shrubs will receive more light in the winter when branches are bare.
Light terminology
When it's time to choose plants for your shaded areas, having a good understanding of terms relative to light will help you make the right choices for your site.
--Full Sun: 6 or more hours of direct sun per day.
--Part Sun: 4 to 6 hours of direct sun, shaded during the most intense sunlight periods/later in the day.
--Part Shade: 4 to 6 hours of sun, preferably morning, shaded the remainder of the day.
--Dappled Sun: A mix of sun and shade throughout the day.
--Full Shade: All plants must have some light but plants that prefer full shade should receive 2 hours or less of direct sun, preferably in the morning.
--Full Sun: 6 or more hours of direct sun per day.
--Part Sun: 4 to 6 hours of direct sun, shaded during the most intense sunlight periods/later in the day.
--Part Shade: 4 to 6 hours of sun, preferably morning, shaded the remainder of the day.
--Dappled Sun: A mix of sun and shade throughout the day.
--Full Shade: All plants must have some light but plants that prefer full shade should receive 2 hours or less of direct sun, preferably in the morning.
Plant Selection and Planting
There are shade-loving plants that thrive in arid, low water conditions and others that require more moisture. Examine the soil in the shaded areas of your landscape to determine the types of plants that will be best suited. Be sure to choose varieties that have similar requirements and group plants together in the landscape. Once planted, amend the soil with compost and top with a layer of mulch.
Under Trees: To Plant or Not?
While trees provide shaded areas, planting under them is tricky and should be approached with caution. Why? For one thing, the soil under and beyond the dripline of a mature tree will have an extensive root system, which will compete for water, air and nutrients with anything else planted in this area. Most trees resent having their roots disturbed and some, like redwoods, have shallow roots that make planting very difficult. If you want to have a landscaped feel under a tree, an easier option is to plant in pots and place saucers under them.
NOTE: Extreme caution should be exercised before planting anything near a California Live Oak (Quercus latifolia). The roots of these trees are extremely sensitive and even a small amount of added moisture or disturbance can wreak havoc.
Once you have a good fix on the conditions in your location, have fun exploring different options for creating lovely shaded outdoor spaces. In addition to the classics like azaleas, hydrangeas and fuchsias there's a huge variety of plants to choose from.
Plant resources
For shade-loving plants native to the Half Moon Bay area and to find planning tools, go to:
For shade-loving plants native to the Half Moon Bay area and to find planning tools, go to:
To find a variety of shade-loving plants that have been tested extensively for durability
and likelihood of success, visit the UC Davis Arboretum All Stars Plant Database at:
https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/plant-database
and likelihood of success, visit the UC Davis Arboretum All Stars Plant Database at:
https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/plant-database
Any questions? Contact the Master Gardener Helpline:
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Maggie Mah is a UC Master Gardener who has a growing appreciation for shade.
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo-San Francisco County are volunteers who are trained under the auspices of the University of California to provide science-based information on plants, horticulture, soil and pest management at no charge to the public. For more information and to find out about classes and events in your area, visit our website where you can also sign up for our newsletter:
Photos courtesy of Thomas M. Johnson
Bleeding Heart” (Dicentra spectabilis), a shade-loving perennial
Pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana/Feijoa sellowiana), a hardy member of the myrtle family, is a shrub or small tree that prefers some shade. Fuschia-like blossoms are edible and the fruits taste like a mix of pineapple, kiwi and guava.
Hostas (Hosta plantaginea) are shade garden classics. Most varieties prefer moist, rich soil.
Hellebores (also known as “Lenten Roses” are shade-loving perennials that bloom from February to May.
- Author: Cynthia Nations
- Editor: Maggie Mah
Published on: March 2, 2024
Gardening with your kids might be one of the best things you can do for them. Not only is it a great way to spend quality time together, it can also make a big difference in their physical, mental and emotional health. Working side by side provides opportunities for bonding as children get fresh air, healthy exercise, connect with nature and trade sunshine for the glow from a screen. Kids love to play in the dirt and are naturally curious, so it won't take much to get them interested. And if the adults in the house are new to gardening, imagine how much fun it would be to learn together! Here's how to get started.
The Garden: Size Doesn't Matter
The garden can be large, small or limited to a few pots on a balcony. In fact, starting small with a container or two is a great way to introduce your child to gardening. Regardless of size or location, every garden has the potential to become a “living lab” wherein kids can learn about science, ecology, nutrition and sustainability. If you involve them in choosing what to grow, such as a favorite veggie, or flowers in colors they like, your child is much more likely to be interested. The experience of planting a seed, seeing it germinate and grow into a mature plant is certain to prompt questions such as, “Why do plants need sunlight?” or “How do they drink water?” They learn about how leaves and vegetable trimmings becomes nutrient-rich compost, and how it all works together. Each new season and each new plant will bring opportunities to learn.
Physical Development and Emotional Well-Being
Gardening activities such as digging, planting, weeding and watering provide exercise, promote flexibility and improve coordination. Fine motor skills are developed as children plant tiny seeds and learn to prune smaller plants. A shared family activity in a peaceful, green environment is also a natural stress reliever and works to improve concentration even after the work is done. Emotional well-being is fostered through the connection with nature as well as the sense of achievement and improved self-esteem that stems from nurturing living things. Time together in the garden also fosters cooperation and team building and helps to promote communication skills.
Patience, Responsibility, Improved Mood and More
In a world where technology fuels the desire for “instant gratification,” gardening helps children and adults to slow down. Gardening requires time and dedication to research, plan and understand the plants we are growing. It also requires patience to wait for the seeds to sprout, plants to grow, and fruits to ripen. Kids develop a sense of purpose during this process while the anticipation of flowers blooming and harvesting vegetables helps them understand the concept of delayed gratification. Tending plants on a regular basis also improves mindfulness, organizational skills and observation. Children also develop a sense of responsibility and the ability to meet challenges as they plant, water, weed, and provide general maintenance to the garden area. Even failures are opportunities to learn, understand and accept. Parents can help children deal with these situations and assist them in applying what they've learned to other aspects of life.
Better Nutrition
Children are much more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if they have had a hand in growing them. They learn to appreciate the difference in taste, texture and appearance of home grown produce and also tend to become more interested in a wider variety of foods. The experience of growing, harvesting, and preparing food from the garden is a great way to plant the desire for nutritious options and contributes to lifelong healthy eating habits.
Children are much more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if they have had a hand in growing them. They learn to appreciate the difference in taste, texture and appearance of home grown produce and also tend to become more interested in a wider variety of foods. The experience of growing, harvesting, and preparing food from the garden is a great way to plant the desire for nutritious options and contributes to lifelong healthy eating habits.
Environmental Sustainability
When children practice water conservation, use natural fertilizers and observe how kitchen scraps become valuable compost, they acquire a sense of responsibility to the environment and learn how to be stewards of the planet. These practices not only benefit the immediate surroundings but also contribute to a broader understanding of how individuals can make a positive impact on the planet.
Explore and Learn: Outdoor Play
A sensory-rich garden environment will automatically become a space for a child's creativity and imaginative play. In addition, parents can encourage exploration and learning by setting up activities that children will enjoy in the garden such as these:
--Choose pollinator plants that will attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, other beneficial creatures. Children can observe, understand their life cycles, and learn how pollinators help plants thrive.
--Gather colorful leaves, twigs, and flowers to create collages. Children can paint cardboard, arrange and glue collected items on the painted background. This activity allows children to be creative while experiencing the textures, smells, and color in the natural world.
--Explore the insect world by providing “catch and release” bug-catching kits and magnifying classes. Have kids research and identify the insects and learn their function.
--Encourage native bees to occupy your garden. Make holes of different sizes in pieces of natural (untreated) wood and position them in sheltered areas of the garden.
--Make bird feeders from found materials such as pinecones, peanut butter and birdseed. Then observe, identify, and learn about the different birds that come into your garden.
--Set up an outdoor art space with easels, brushes, washable paints, and paper or canvases and encourage children to paint what they observe in the garden. Children love it when parents/adults work alongside them on this project.
--Use diaries or observation journals to draw and document changes in plant growth, the insects they observe in the garden, the changes in the seasons--the sky's the limit! This activity will help them develop scientific observation skills using pictures and words.
--Choose pollinator plants that will attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, other beneficial creatures. Children can observe, understand their life cycles, and learn how pollinators help plants thrive.
--Gather colorful leaves, twigs, and flowers to create collages. Children can paint cardboard, arrange and glue collected items on the painted background. This activity allows children to be creative while experiencing the textures, smells, and color in the natural world.
--Explore the insect world by providing “catch and release” bug-catching kits and magnifying classes. Have kids research and identify the insects and learn their function.
--Encourage native bees to occupy your garden. Make holes of different sizes in pieces of natural (untreated) wood and position them in sheltered areas of the garden.
--Make bird feeders from found materials such as pinecones, peanut butter and birdseed. Then observe, identify, and learn about the different birds that come into your garden.
--Set up an outdoor art space with easels, brushes, washable paints, and paper or canvases and encourage children to paint what they observe in the garden. Children love it when parents/adults work alongside them on this project.
--Use diaries or observation journals to draw and document changes in plant growth, the insects they observe in the garden, the changes in the seasons--the sky's the limit! This activity will help them develop scientific observation skills using pictures and words.
Gardening with children is educational and has far reaching benefits. Observing and learning about nature provides children with skills and knowledge that extend beyond the home and garden. It is a joy to work with children in the garden!
For more about kids, gardening, and ways they can learn about agriculture and the natural world, check out the following:
UC Master Gardener School Garden Workshops:
UCCE Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center:
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Cynthia Nations is a UC Master Gardener who enjoys gardening with her grandchildren in El Granada. She also holds a Ph.D. in education and consults on education. The article was edited by UC Master Gardener Maggie Mah.
Cynthia Nations is a UC Master Gardener who enjoys gardening with her grandchildren in El Granada. She also holds a Ph.D. in education and consults on education. The article was edited by UC Master Gardener Maggie Mah.
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo-San Francisco County are volunteers who are trained under the auspices of the University of California to provide science-based information on plants, horticulture, soil, and pest management at no charge to the public. For more information and to find out about classes and events in your area, visit our website where you can also sign up for our newsletter and contact our Helpline: http://smsf-mastergardeners.ucanr.edu/
All photos by Cynthia Nations
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