Children's own gardening

Many parents and children enjoy gardening together, and we see an increasing interest in the whole family sowing both flowers, vegetables, and other plants. Seven out of ten parents consider it important that children learn how gardening works and how different plants thrive. Let the children, the neighbor's children, and friends join in planning flower beds, balconies, and greenhouses and have fun together.

Whether it's just about sowing in pots that are placed on the windowsill or if you fill an entire greenhouse, it's always best to do it together. Remember that the best cress and the sweetest tomatoes are the ones you grow yourself. Small home growers get a number of physical benefits, including:

• Better concentration, which improves schoolwork and homework reading
• Reduced stress
• Lower risk of mental illness in adulthood
• Improved motor skills
• Increased understanding of plants and how they thrive
  

Growing by sowing seeds and kernels is fun for both you and the children. You can start with a simple variety – all home-grown plants are welcome! Choose seeds that are easy to get good yields with and take on the slightly more demanding types later.

• Tomatoes – There is nothing better than sun-ripened tomatoes you pick yourself
• Sunflowers – Provide large, beautiful flowers that become an eye-catcher in the garden and on the terrace
• Cress – Easy to sow and very good on bread
• Pumpkins – Plant some pumpkins in the garden and you are ready for Halloween
• Sugar snaps – Grow quickly and taste good. Perfect for impatient little children

Use your own and your child's imagination when you sow. If you don't have access to your own growing area, there are many other ways to sow.

Use old egg cartons and place seeds in each small compartment, almost like a mini-pot. This is also an environmentally friendly alternative, which is receiving increasing focus. Moreover, it is easy to simply tear the carton apart when you are going to transplant.

Larger tin cans with text on the outside are a fun alternative. Such cans look great on the balcony table and add a little extra color to the plant that comes up.

There are also other activities for the children in the garden related to growing and sowing. It can actually become a real playground. Make fun scarecrows, or let the children make small signs that you can put up in the garden. Here, it's about unleashing your imagination together and creating nice memories in the growing season.

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• Tips and tricks - Grow your own