Begin this 2 weeks before Easter for best results. Plant a theme garden to learn about colonial life, birds, butterflies, or even Shakespeare. Place white flowers such as carnations or daisies in a mixture of water and food coloring to see the flowers change colors. Grow new plants from grocery store produce such as avacados, garlic cloves, ginger root or pineapple. In late fall, force several types of bulbs in layers in one container and allow the child to give the blooming pot as a holiday gift.
Children can design and print out their own custom labels.
Create a terrarrium from an old aquarium or fishbowl. Mix annual flowers in with veggie gardens. Help with difficult tasks such as bringing around the water hose or carrying heavy loads. And if possible, use child-sized tools. Childrens' experience with gardening will nurture their natural fascination with nature and help instill a lifelong respect for the environment.