Garden Shed children’s activities in March and June focused on observation. In this activity for 3 to 6-year-olds, children learn about measurement while planting. September is a perfect time to sow bush beans. Soil diseases and leaf chewing beetles are less of a problem in early fall, and harvesting can continue into November, when there may be fewer edible options from our gardens. In case of an early frost, be prepared to cover the plants with an old sheet or garden row cover. Doing this will extend the harvest period.
Activity: Plant, care for, and record bush bean growth
Objective: Children learn how to plant seeds and take care of bean plants as they grow.
Materials Needed:
- One package of bush bean seeds (If using treated seeds, rinse well before handling)
- String to mark a row
- Two medium-sized stones
- Yardstick, meterstick, or marked strips of paper (the “measuring tool”)
- Pen to mark lines in 2-inch increments on measuring tool
- Trowel
- Small watering can (or sturdy paper cups)
- A few handfuls of straw or cut grass for mulch
- Notepad and pencil
Process:
Before going outside:
- If possible, soak seeds overnight to hasten germination.
- Mark a dark line every two inches on the measuring tool.
Prepare the planting area with child:
- Mark the row to be planted with string.
- Use stones to secure the string on the ground.
- With a trowel, loosen soil to cultivate a 4 to 6-inch-wide area alongside the string.
- Smooth out the soil to make it level.
- Move string toward the middle of the cultivated area.
- Lay measuring tool next to the string.
Planting:
- Show child how to place one seed at each marked line.
- Direct child to push each seed downward about an inch into the soil; help the child identify a one-inch segment of their finger — perhaps from finger tip to a knuckle; cover the hole with soil.
- Gently tamp down the row of covered seeds and add a light layer of the mulch.
- Water the row thoroughly.
Daily observation:
- Check the row and provide water if soil is dry.
- Pull weeds that appear.
- Talk with child about what to look for: stem and leaf emergence, changes in height and width, buds and flowers, formation of small string beans.
Record observations:
Help child draw or record: How many new leaves, buds, or flowers appear; bird sightings and sounds; butterflies and insects they see.
Tips:
- With a 3-year-old, it helps to demonstrate how to plant in advance.
- A child-size trowel will enable more involvement.
- For older children, help them make a chart to record observations.
- You can adapt this activity for a container garden on a sunny deck or porch.
This planting activity helps young children develop a meaningful relationship with nature. They will begin to appreciate soil, seeds, insects, and animals and their important role in gardening experiences.
Resources:
https://kidsgardening.org/resource-activities/
https://playofthewild.com/2020/01/21/outdoor-autumn-winter-garden-activities-for-children/
