Anything that can be grown above the ground and is less water-intensive can be homegrown

In this day and age where technology is reigning supreme, it becomes hard to keep track of the things kids may get influenced by. The best approach in such a case scenario is to ensure that they are always learning about new things and imbuing a nature of learning from every experience that may come their way. This is what makes horticulture the best hobby to get curious younglings acquainted with.

Learning horticulture gives developing minds the opportunity to experience one-on-one practical learning. Quite literally putting the work into practice and attaining tangible rewards in form of nutritious produce grown as a result of the fruit of their own labour. The entire procedure of growing plants from sowing the seeds into the soil, to the time the organic produce is ready to be harvested, is a gradual and time-consuming process. One that requires tending to the plants on a daily basis. Maintaining this practical approach can inherit the potent habit of being patient in life. Many more essential habits like such can be inculcated by the young ones. Growing one’s own plants can introduce the kids to the concept of habit formation as well. The process of watering the plants daily and ensuring that their pot “home” is nurtured sufficiently can incite the importance of maintaining a daily routine formation, influencing other aspects of their lives as well.

Green leafy herbs and vegetables are the perfect starting point to get kids started with planting their own vegetables. Starting with the basics, coriander deems to be the utmost versatile herb to embark upon the horticulture journey with your kids. Leafy greens like spinach, mint, lettuce and green onion are brilliant examples of produce that grows quickly. These can be used to encourage the kids to get curious about gardening. Henceforth, fruits can be an exciting voyage for the kids to delve into. Especially fruits like strawberries that are happily enjoyed by the kids. Further, vegetables such as carrots and radishes are an extremely engrossing experience to grow. As these vegetables grow under the soil, watching their stems grow and patiently waiting to see the actual produce can turn into an extraordinary experience. Each variation of vegetation brings about its own experience for the kids but all of them are equally as rewarding.

As a next step, the guardians are advised to provide the kids with their own little space to sow the seeds of their plants. It is pertinent to ask kids questions about their interests and expectations with this experience of horticulture. This will also act as an interesting opportunity for guardians to engage in conversations with their children. Furthermore, always ensure to use lightweight equipment to prioritize the safety of the children.

By introducing horticulture in the early stages of the kids’ developing lives, the subject of maintaining soil fertility can be brought to their attention. By teaching one kid at a time about the prominence of good farming practices (GFP), we can prepare them for a better chance at posterity. Concepts like maintaining soil fertility, evading soil erosion, the aftereffects of farming certain crops on certain types of soil, and varied types of organic produce can become a pivotal part of the child’s life. Starting horticulture as a hobby is an all-encompassing strategy to equip the next generation to do things better. Obviously, the past can’t be undone but the future is yet to come, so the best way to predict the future is to write it ourselves. And that is only possible if we set them up for success.

(The author is Principal- Orchids The International School, Sonipat)