Gardening captivates younger generation

Recently I spent some very pleasant time in the classroom of my children’s kindergarten.

Mrs. Stone had asked me to come and show her kindergarteners how to plant seeds.

I started out with a little background on the flower by telling the children where the plant originated, and how the flower is so popular and grows so well in India that it is commonly used in cemeteries, thus nicknamed “Indian cemetery flower.”

It was shocking that I was able to hold the attention of some 80 5-year olds in two different sessions, considering that I struggle to hold the attention of two at home.

It might have a little bit to do with what I was working with: I had a bag of fine potting soil, which I scooped up with bare hands and said to the class, “Soil is a beautiful thing. Don’t be afraid of getting your hands dirty. In planting, some people like to wear gloves. But I always do it with bare hands because I want to feel the soil.”

Now what 5-year-old would not be looking at that soil and wishing they could dig their little hands in right away?

I showed the class what the seeds of marigold look like. And when three seeds were put in the cup and lightly covered, with a reminder not to cover them too deep because in nature, there was no one there to push those seeds into the soil for them, I showed the children what they could expect in one week. And again in three weeks, what a marigold seedling would look like. I had brought along a tray of seedlings that were started the first week of April. Present also was a tray of sunflower seedlings. The sunflower is probably the most recognizable flower for children of this age. Their seeds are big and therefore easy for them to handle. While the teacher passed the seeds around for the children to touch, we compared the different sizes and looks of the two different plants, from seeds to seedlings and then the flowers. The children were amused when I pointed out to them that the sunflower seedlings were not looking too happy because they had outgrown the egg carton I was using as a starter tray.

They look like hungry flamingos toppling over.

Because there isn’t enough soil to support the plants, the roots have forced through the soaked carton and have nowhere to go and nothing to eat, much like, I told them, the way they would feel if they had to go to school without breakfast. All of the children nodded in understanding.

My wildest dream for this pleasant time with the children is that someday one of them will remember this little demonstration and as a result, will be inspired to pick up a trowel.

Hats off to Mrs. Stone and her colleagues for their efforts in cultivating an interest in gardening in these young minds.

Now I know why Chinese called educators, especially the elementary school teachers “the diligent gardeners”.

They plant seeds.