Gardening With My Little Helper Myrtle Sharing The Joys And Benefits

Hey everyone! Let me tell you about my sweet little helper, Myrtle. She absolutely adores spending time in the garden with me, and honestly, it makes my heart melt every single time. Gardening with a little one is such a special experience, and I wanted to share some of the joys (and occasional chaos!) that come with it. So, grab a cup of tea, and let's dive into the wonderful world of gardening with Myrtle!

The Joy of Gardening with Myrtle

Gardening with Myrtle is pure joy! From the moment we step outside, her eyes light up with excitement. She loves getting her hands dirty, exploring the textures of the soil and plants, and discovering all the little creatures that call our garden home. There's something truly magical about seeing the world through a child's eyes, and the garden is the perfect place for that magic to unfold. It's not just about the gardening tasks themselves; it's about the shared moments, the laughter, and the connection we build as we work side-by-side. I try to include Myrtle in every aspect of gardening, from planting seeds to watering the plants and even harvesting the vegetables. Of course, things don't always go perfectly, and there are definitely times when the garden hose ends up spraying everything but the plants, or a handful of freshly picked tomatoes end up being used as impromptu juggling balls. But even those moments are precious, because they're part of our story, our shared experience in the garden. One of my favorite things is watching Myrtle's curiosity bloom as she learns about the natural world. She's fascinated by bugs, worms, and all sorts of tiny critters, and she asks the most insightful questions about how things grow and why. It's a reminder that gardening is not just about growing plants; it's about nurturing a love for nature and fostering a sense of wonder in the world around us.

Myrtle's Favorite Gardening Tasks

Myrtle has a few favorite gardening tasks that she always gets excited about. Watering the plants is definitely at the top of the list. She loves holding the hose (with a little help from me, of course) and making sure each plant gets a good drink. There's something so satisfying about watching her carefully water each leaf and blossom, and she takes her job very seriously. Another favorite task is planting seeds. Myrtle loves getting her hands in the soil and carefully placing each tiny seed in its new home. She's always amazed by the idea that something so small can grow into a big plant, and she loves checking on her seeds every day to see if they've sprouted. We've planted everything from sunflowers to carrots together, and it's always a thrill to watch them grow from tiny seeds into something beautiful and delicious. Harvesting is another activity Myrtle enjoys immensely. She gets so excited when it's time to pick the fruits and vegetables we've grown, and she loves helping me fill our basket with fresh produce. There's something incredibly rewarding about eating food that we've grown ourselves, and Myrtle takes pride in knowing that she played a part in bringing it to our table. Beyond the specific tasks, Myrtle also loves exploring the garden and discovering new things. She'll spend hours wandering around, examining flowers, chasing butterflies, and digging in the dirt. It's a wonderful way for her to connect with nature and learn about the world around her.

The Benefits of Gardening for Kids

Gardening offers so many benefits for kids, and I've seen firsthand how much Myrtle has grown and learned through her experiences in the garden. First and foremost, gardening is a fantastic way for kids to connect with nature. In today's world, where so much time is spent indoors and in front of screens, it's more important than ever to foster a love for the natural world. Gardening provides a direct connection to the earth and helps kids understand where their food comes from. It also teaches them about the cycles of nature, the importance of caring for the environment, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Beyond the connection with nature, gardening also offers a wealth of educational opportunities. Kids can learn about plant biology, soil science, and even basic math skills as they measure seeds, count plants, and calculate how much water to use. Gardening also fosters important life skills like patience, responsibility, and problem-solving. Growing plants takes time and effort, and kids learn the importance of caring for their plants and being patient as they wait for them to grow. They also learn to troubleshoot when things don't go as planned, whether it's dealing with pests, adjusting watering schedules, or figuring out why a plant isn't thriving. Gardening is also a fantastic way to promote physical activity. Digging, planting, watering, and weeding are all great exercise, and they help kids develop their gross motor skills and coordination. And let's not forget the mental health benefits! Spending time in the garden can be incredibly therapeutic, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm and well-being. For Myrtle, gardening is a chance to relax, unwind, and simply enjoy being in the moment.

Tips for Gardening with a Toddler

Gardening with a toddler can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Here are a few tips that I've learned along the way to make the experience more enjoyable for both of you. First and foremost, keep it simple. Don't try to tackle too much at once. Start with a small garden bed or a few containers, and choose plants that are easy to grow, like sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, or herbs. The goal is to create a positive experience, so avoid overwhelming your little one with too many tasks or too much information. Next, make it fun! Gardening should be an adventure, not a chore. Let your toddler get their hands dirty, explore the textures of the soil, and discover the wonders of the garden. Sing songs, tell stories, and make the experience as engaging and enjoyable as possible. Give your toddler age-appropriate tasks. Toddlers love to help, but their attention spans are short, and their skills are still developing. Choose tasks that are simple and safe, like watering plants with a small watering can, planting large seeds, or picking ripe vegetables. Be prepared for messes. Gardening with a toddler is definitely a messy activity, but that's part of the fun! Dress your little one in clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, and have a designated spot for washing hands and feet afterwards. Safety is key. Keep gardening tools out of reach, and supervise your toddler closely to prevent accidents. It's also a good idea to teach your child about poisonous plants and insects. Finally, be patient. Things won't always go as planned, and there will be times when your toddler is more interested in playing in the dirt than planting seeds. That's okay! Remember, the goal is to spend quality time together and foster a love for nature. Don't get discouraged if things are a little chaotic; just embrace the moment and enjoy the ride.

Our Favorite Plants to Grow with Kids

Over the years, we've discovered a few favorite plants that are particularly fun to grow with kids. Sunflowers are always a hit. They're easy to plant, grow quickly, and produce giant, cheerful blooms that are sure to bring a smile to your child's face. Cherry tomatoes are another great choice. They're prolific producers, and kids love popping the ripe tomatoes straight from the vine into their mouths. Plus, they're relatively easy to grow, even in containers. Herbs like basil, mint, and chives are also fantastic for kids' gardens. They're fragrant, easy to grow, and can be used in cooking, which is a great way to connect gardening with mealtime. Kids love snipping fresh herbs and adding them to their favorite dishes. Radishes are a fun option because they grow quickly, so kids can see results in just a few weeks. They're also easy to harvest, and their peppery flavor is a fun surprise. Finally, consider planting some kid-friendly flowers, like marigolds, zinnias, or nasturtiums. These flowers are easy to grow from seed, and they come in a variety of bright colors that will add beauty to your garden. Plus, nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible, which is a fun fact to share with your little one.

Myrtle's Garden Adventures: A Never-Ending Story

Gardening with Myrtle is an ongoing adventure, and I'm so grateful for the time we spend together in the garden. It's a place where we can connect with nature, learn new things, and create lasting memories. Whether we're planting seeds, chasing butterflies, or simply enjoying the sunshine, our garden is a special place where magic happens. I can't wait to see what new adventures await us in the seasons to come. And who knows, maybe one day Myrtle will have her own garden to tend, filled with all the things she loves to grow! So, guys, get out there and get gardening with your little ones! You won't regret it.