Parent to Parent: Gardening with kids
But experts say let your children dig in, to the garden that is. Learning how things grow can teach kids valuable lessons.
From TV and video game distractions to digging adventures, experts said one fun way to get kids outside is teach them how to garden.
Julie Snell, horticulture expert
"A dirt pile is the best thing for a kid. They run up it-then down it, they dig holes, that's hours of entertainment."
Moms and dads need to use their imagination and get creative.
Use an old boot as a plant holder.
Julie Snell, horticulture expert
"We filled it with soil and then we planted this basil plant in there."
Another kid favorite is making a seat out of grass. Place bricks in the container, add dirt and then put a plant like a clover on the top.
And to teach kids better eating habits, grow vegetables and fruits.
Make a strawberry tower by piling up a couple colorful kids sand buckets and soil.
Julie Snell, horticulture expert
"So here's our strawberry tower. You can put this somewhere in your garden and have strawberries all year long."
While the kids are having fun they're also learning a valuable lesson in how things grow.
Experts say it's important to let your kids feel like their work is important.
Give them as many responsibilities as they can handle.
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