Unlike other guides to gardening with children, these are not simple projects just for kids. Rather, the authors believe that kids can do -- and will enjoy -- the same type of gardening that adults do. Part One focuses on the nitty-gritty of gardening with kids: how to keep sessions short, tips on how much to grow, and important safety precautions. Part Two is a month-by-month guide on what to sow, plant, harvest, and eat. Seasonal recipes include nutritious, kid-friendly foods like parsnip chips, rhubarb cake, and homemade ketchup. Part Three is an A-Z guide to vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers. Icons note which are plants particularly easy to grow and suitable for young children.
The Family Kitchen Garden is for parents who want to get their kids outside and for families looking for simple ways to lead a healthier life. Grab your kids and get gardening!
"This book shows how to get parents and children together in the garden and in the kitchen."
"Helpful to those who need reminders of when to harvest the brussel sprouts and when to start the tomato seeds indoors."
The last half of the book is an A-to-Z vegetable, fruit, herb and edible flower guide that would be helpful to any gardener who isn’t satisfied with the amount of information crammed on the back of a seed packet.
"This is an introduction to productive gardening than any novice could benefit from reading."
"This book is an excellent starting point for families who want to get into vegetable gardening."
"The Family Kitchen Garden is a lovely, invaluable resource, which, if implemented, could transform the way we as families spend our time, eat our food and live our lives. Only good can come of this."
While many garden writers exile children to fanciful play areas within a garden or seemingly pretend that gardeners don't have offspring, these authors are different. Liebreich, with Jutta Wagner and Annette Wendlend (respectively, coordinator, garden designer, and teen session manager, Chiswick House Kitchen Garden, London), annually invites 1000 schoolchildren to work alongside adults growing organic produce. Here they share tips for making children and teens an integral part of a family's working garden. Though ostensibly aimed at parents wanting active, healthier kids, the book will find a wider audience. Liebreich (Fallen Order: Intrigue, Heresy, and Scandal in the Rome of Galileo and Caravaggio) capably conveys growing information useful to anyone interested in kitchen gardening. There are no frivolous "kiddy projects," though there are many creative activities and healthy recipes in the month-by-month section. The plant directory of family-friendly veggies, fruits, herbs, and flowers uses an unobtrusive smiley-face icon to denote items particularly suitable for younger children to grow. Comments from London's littlest gardeners contrast nicely with gardening quotes from historic figures. This American edition is recommended for general readers.
—Bonnie Poquette
Anonymous
Posted July 4, 2010
I have had a garden for years but have moved to a different location in the country this book is so helpful in what kind of soil, light and position different kinds of plants do best in
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 18, 2012
This is an excellent and comprehensive book for adults who teach gardening to children. It offers a month by month guide to what might be happening in your garden and suggests activities to do specifically with children. This book is detailed and includes information pages on growing many individual vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Books for teaching gardening to children are difficult to find, so this resources if much appreciated. It is a British book, so timing may need to be adjusted to suit your hardiness zone.
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Overview
The Family Kitchen Garden integrates the garden and kitchen in a simple, fun way that parents and children can enjoy together. By teaching kids how to garden, they will be more likely to eat what they grow -- what a rewarding way to encourage healthy ...