Gardening encompasses much more than time spend outdoors. It’s become a generational hobby!
A few years ago, I asked my grandchildren where certain food items come from. The reply was, “From the grocery store!” I received a similar reply from my granddaughter, four at the time, when I asked where money came from. “From the bank!” was her reply.
Teaching children how to sow and harvest is one of the most valuable lessons we can pay forward.
My goodness, what an opportunity to teach some timeless principles. I explained to these precious, curious children that we are far too addicted to convenience and don’t have to totally depend on the stores for our existence. Food comes from the good earth. Money comes from hard work. To demonstrate, I got them involved in feeding the steer (unnamed!), digging potatoes, picking tomatoes off the vine and eating them, weeding, and watering the “starts.”
I want them to appreciate the ranchers and farmers and the richness of our country’s history. I want them to learn to be self-sufficient. I want them to soak up vitamin D and breathe fresh air and get away from their computer screens and phones, if only for a short while.
I have a feeling that they’ll look back on our gardening days with a smile. That’s all a grandmother could ask for.
My grandchildren’s swing set on the side of the garden.
