Page 25 - Bringing out the Potential In Our Children - Gardeners - Food Producers

Children find it so hard to wait to see results and to be able to start eating
from their garden. Be patient (gardening is great for teaching patients with

the wonderful rewards it gives you for your patience)
Here’s some expected times for when you can start some of your
harvesting.

 Radishes, cress and some lettuce will be ready the quickest in
6-8 weeks.

 Next in line are dwarf beans, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes
and onion which will be ready in 8-12 weeks.
 Most others, including the popular peas, carrots and potatoes
will need 16-20 weeks to mature.

The children and you could be harvesting from these little gardens for many

months.

Many plants you’ll want to grow from seed (the cheapest route to go) or are

required to be direct sown (check the seed packs for instructions). To save
you time and get a jump on the growing season you can buy “starts” or
seedlings from local nurseries.

Missouri Botanical Gardens has a site full of growing tips (although it is
geared for their specific area it still has many valuable tips that are great for
any area.) A good reference site at:
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-
garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/edible-gardening/vegetable-
gardening.aspx

Indoor Gardening
 A good place to start is with indoor potted herbs (I had
mentioned a few in an earlier section on easy to grow plants)

 Grow in a sunny window or supplement your light with grow
lights.