Every vegetable gardener knows weeding is a necessary task
if the end goal is to actually produce food.
But weeding takes time, and depending on the size of your garden, maybe
hours of your time. Here in Wisconsin
our summer arrives somewhat late and autumn all too soon. As a homeschooling mom I try to soak up every
bit of summer I possibly can before we hit the books again in September. Baseball games, homemade ice cream, swimming
at our “swimming spot”, BMX races, gymkhana games, walks on the cranberry
marsh, fishing – these are the things I want to fill my days with. This may sound strange, but I also want to
spend my time weeding. I love being in
the garden. It’s close to our pond so I
can hear the bullfrogs croaking, the loons calling. Now, enter the kids. They don’t share my same love for weeding,
but in order to enjoy my list of summer fun, I need their help. I can’t possibly get it all done alone.
I bet you’re thinking this
blogger lady is crazy if she thinks I’m going to take my rambunctious kids into
my precious garden. I thought that
once upon a time, too. But I also
subscribe to the idea that kids need to learn life skills at home and from the
beginning. I’ve been gardening with kids
for nearly 19 years and have learned a lot along the way. If you’re in need of extra hands in the
garden and have kids, I have tips for you.
Weeding WITH Kids WITHOUT Losing Your Mind
11.
Think Ahead – Plant extra seeds and
seedlings. There are bound to be plant
casualties when kids enter the garden. Period.
22.
Wait – It works best if the plants are at
least 4 -5 inches tall before employing the kids, that way the plant is easily
identified and not mistaken as a weed.
(FYI: employ does not equal pay)
33.
Pack-n-Plays are Your Friend – For anyone
under 2.5 years the pack-n-play or Ergo is your friend. Toddlers simply can’t be trusted in the
garden.
44.
Set a Goal – How many rows or hills do
you want to get done? If kids know the
goal they are much more apt to work diligently to get the job done. If the goal is met quicker than you thought,
stick with the goal. Don’t add an extra
row or two. Mutiny will ensue. I know this, through experience, to be the
truth.
55.
Simple Jobs for the Littles – My littlest
kids (ages 2, 4, and 7) are given simple jobs.
They pick up piles of weeds and place in a bucket. Then the weeds are carried over to
the chickens for their picking pleasure.
66.
Choose the Right Time of Day – My favorite
time to weed is when the sun is blazing down, it’s slightly humid, and any
normal person would rather be at the beach or waterpark. My kids are more on the normal side. They are much more willing and helpful if the
day is slightly cooler, the bugs aren’t swarming, and they’re not tired. Morning works well – after they’ve been fed,
but still energized from a good night’s rest.
77.
Memorize a “Watchout Phrase” – My phrase
is “Hey, Hey, Watch the Plants”. It
seems like don’t step on the plants!
Or even step over the plants! Might
be more effective, but, “Hey, Hey, Watch the Plants” always comes out. Find your phrase and be prepared to say it 100
or more times at each weeding session.
88.
Sing Songs – My kids go to summer camp and
always come home with all kinds of silly and spiritual songs. Assigning parts and singing in 3 part harmony
either gets us all laughing or mad at each other. Either way it helps to pass the time while
weeding.
99.
Laugh – Remember to laugh. The baby might be crying in the pack-n-play,
the 3 year old just stepped on a bean plant, the 7 year old pulled an onion,
the 11 year old is hot and tired and letting everyone know it, the teen is scolding
everyone for working so slow, and all you want is to weed in peace. Laugh, it’s contagious!
110.
Have a treat – When the weeding goal has
been reached, have a popsicle or whatever treat your family likes.
Happy Gardening and weeding!
