Spending time in the garden is a great way to spend time with your children. And whether you raise prize-winning petunias or have yet to develop a green thumb, introducing your youngsters to the pleasures of growing things is a terrific learning experience that can grow into a family tradition.

There are a couple of suggestions, though, and the first one is keep it small. You don't want it to be a chore for your child. This is something you do together for the joy of coaxing flowers, plants, or vegetables up out of the ground. And remember, there is work involved: preparing the soil is the first step to a beautiful, bountiful garden; and you are the one who is going to do it. So do yourself a favor and keep it small.

A few other suggestions ...

	Let your child have a separate garden and tools. Make certain the space is in a sunny area and close to water.
	You can plant any time until the first frost of autumn. Just make sure you are putting in the right plants for the season. Your nursery staff will help you.
	Buy plants rather than seeds. Plants are more reliable and your child will see results more quickly. If your child takes to gardening, you may want to try sprouting seeds later in the season.
	Mix flowers and vegetables. Imagine how proud your kids will feel when they've not only grown the flowers for the centerpiece but also the salad course for the family dinner.

A child's garden can become a lifelong pleasure, if you remember these simple suggestions. Enjoy the time with your kids, and they'll enjoy their time in the garden.