I had no interest in gardening at all, until the children came along. Now we have cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries and carrots as well as assorted herbs and flowers we planted. And if my son has his way, we’ll soon add a blueberry bush to the mix.

It’s been very educational for the kids. Both children got to choose some plants at the nursery. (Don’t ask how my yard looks!) My 5-year-old did the whole planting process on her own. They love watering. They enjoy observing what grows (or doesn’t or dies because of too little water, or a bad location choice.) And they love harvesting and serving their vegetables.

Sure, many plants die (four strawberry plants were victim of too little water recently, and every time we travel, stuff dies.) But that’s part of the learning experience. No guit here over a dead plant – esp. not if those that last a few weeks get me wonderful smiles from the children when they harvest them!

I suppose I could still let her do it but I’m pretty sure if nothing came up she’d forget she ever planted it and like I said, I hate plants and gardening so I’d rather not bother.

JCA: Last time I had a plant that grew too big for its pot, I threw it away. Did I mention I hate plants and gardening? I’m already regretting the tomato plant because it made me water it once. It makes me nervous, sitting out there, needing me to remember it. And it will need a bigger pot soon, too. Ack!