Children’s Gardening Tools
perlite vs. vermiculite?
I am teaching a children’s art class and want to do a sculpture project with the kids. Some who have signed up are small and I am leary of giving them sharper tools to carve the plaster blocks I am making. I have instructions on mixing the plaster with vermiculite to make the plaster softer/slow down drying time. I have only found perlite- which is the same gardening-wise but I’m wondering if it will be the same for my purposes. I have found out vermiculite is clay based whereas perlite is rock I’m guessing I can experiment but figured I’d give a quick shout out first! Thanks!
Definitely not the same. Vermiculite is an expanded mica product, looks vaguely wormlike (thus the name) and is very soft. I believe there were health hazards found associated with mining it and thus it has become almost iimpossible to find in stores. You are more likely to find it in a professional gardening center than the the gardening center of a Bog Box store. Otherwise, try a commercial greenhouse operation near you, explain why you need it – they may have some they will share with you. It is also used in building swimming pools, so you can also try swimming pool companies! Here is a link to a helpful site:
http://www.vermiculite.com/
Children’s Gardening Tools
Children’s Garden Tools – They Can Garden Too!
If you love to garden and have children you should allow them to help you. Simple tasks like this can teach them a lot about the environment and the cycle of growth. Use this opportunity to enrich their lives and get them interested in the basics of life.
Before you begin gardening take your child out and buy them some children’s gardening tools. If you let your child help pick out their supplies they are more likely to love the whole experience. You can get as many or as few tools as you need. You have many options from rakes, spades, hoes, trowels, forks, buckets and wheel barrows. You may also want gloves, a kneeling pad, apron, or plant markers. Remember to get sturdy tools. Many children’s gardening tools are made of plastic and will only serve to frustrate them before they eventually break.
After you purchase your tools decide what you would like to plant. If your child is young you may want to start with something that is simple. An older child will be able to understand and do much more. You could even give them their own garden bed. Regardless of what you decide to plant you need to explain the entire process to your child. It will mean so much more to them if they understand how the plant or seed is growing and what is going on beneath the surface.
Once you have your children’s gardening tools and plants of your choice you will need to decide where to plant. If you have an old sandbox lying around use it. Sandboxes can make great garden beds. Now that you have decided on a bed you will have to prepare the soil by breaking it up. You are now ready to put your plant or seeds into the ground.
Your garden may be complete at this point, but there are always fun little extras you could add. Your child can paint large rocks for decorations in or around their garden. Help your child build a scarecrow to put near your garden. Be creative and make it work for your space.
When working with children remember not to get frustrated. Take your time and be patient with them always. If you get angry or upset you could deter them from every wanting to learn to garden. Try encouraging them and being very positive. Keep in mind how beneficial this whole experience is to your child. There is a deep sense of pride from making a bouquet out of flowers you grew or feeding your family with Tomatoes you nurtured.
You can learn about mini garden tools, and get much more information and resources about garden tools by visiting Lawn and Garden Tools
About the Author
I am a freelance writer with expertise in a variety of subjects and topics. I run numerous informational websites on subjects which I am knowledgeable about, and enjoy writing articles to help out other people looking for some guides or tips.
Do you agree that sometimes a child’s eyes are opened wider than ours?
‘Underneath
This hardened ice
Is spring’
She told me
Grabbing a tool
From the garden shed
She hit the ice
Cracking it
Revealing dead flowers
And disappointment
Shadowed her zeal
Yet she cracked more
And more
Until she found
A patch of green
That was as alive
As her spirit
And she said to me
With great hope
‘Underneath
This hardened ice
Is spring’
FOURteen, Ma says? Did you have a birthday?
I do believe it, because I’ve seen where you came from. I think we started hanging out here at about the same time. You wrote very decent “kid” poetry then. Now you right very decent poetry, no disclaimer for youth necessary.
Summer garden tools for kids