BURLINGTON, W. - Local parents and educators will be able to take advantage of a "Container Gardening with Kids" webinar presented by KidsGardening on September 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by Charlie Nardozzi and Sarah Pounders.
FLEXIBLE PROJECT
"Container gardening is a very broad definition of any type of container, whether you're using a traditional slow cooker or something fancy," says Pounders.
"I've seen people do this in old bathtubs or swimming pools. There is only one great variety. The idea is that it should be above ground. You bring land and harvest. If you're short on space or just have one side that doesn't fit, sometimes this is an easy place to start. Or if you're trying to find something small, maybe you have a balcony or a school."
Container gardening can be cheap or expensive.
"It's one of those things that's flexible and expansive," he said.
"It gives people an idea of what containers to use, what soil is best, what plants are good, and it gives them some ideas on how to teach them container gardening."
FUN FOR KIDS
Container gardening works well with kids because of its simplicity and affordability.
"Especially for parents and teachers who have never gardened before," says Pounders.
“Spacious gardens can be simply stunning. It's a great way to dip your toe in. It's also great because it's mobile. For example, I've seen schools that weren't allowed to be permanently installed or needed the flexibility to move them."
START WITH THE BASICS
Container gardening can be done in small spaces like patios.
Speakers will cover the basics of container gardening, including where to start, what options are available and special considerations to make when working with children, and what types of plants are best suited to specific situations.
"We're going to talk about starting small, choosing things that are easy to grow, choosing things that are appropriate for any climate, and things that are fun for kids," she said.
Light, edible snacks like cherry tomatoes, snow peas, or green beans are good choices to keep kids interested.
"Or really colorful things," he said.
"A potion with a potion. You can smell the leaves. An interesting plant.
WILL BE GIVEN
If the webinar is not available on Tuesday, it can be viewed later online at www.kidsgardening.org. Further donations are welcome.
"We have a complete archive of all the types of webinars we've done over the past year and it's available there," Pounders said.
“Another thing that people are interested in right now is our support program for schools and non-profit organizations. That's why we opened a series of scholarship programs this fall. Next week we have a grant for aspiring botanists. This is specific to the school.
“And then, in October, our youth gardening grant opens, which is open to other not-for-profit organizations like community gardens and libraries. Various programs can be used for this."
