Getting your child interested in gardening sounds easy enough, but what if you don’t know the first thing about gardening? Fortunately, resources exist in libraries, on the Internet, and through local clubs that can allow you to expose your kids to gardening even when you don’t know the difference between a spade and a shovel.

Kids tend to have more interest in any subject when the parent is interested as well. This is true, at least until the kid realizes the parent is the polar opposite of cool. That usually happens around age 12, so introducing a concept at an early age is vital for success. If you miss this early age requirement you could be subjected to countless hours of eye rolling and the incessant sound of the word, “whatever!”

Libraries offer endless resources in the form of books and videos. Libraries also offer skilled staff proficient in knowing where and how to find information.

Searching for information on the Internet can be helpful, but when a parent lacks knowledge to begin with, this may get confusing and frustrating. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the reliable websites from the unreliable ones.

Clubs like 4-H might seem alien to those who aren’t familiar with rural life. Taking part in 4-H goes beyond subjects like animal husbandry and showing hogs at the county fair. There is no rule you must own Carhartts to participate in 4-H. Commonly thought of as a rural club, 4-H offers much for the urban resident as well.

4-H offers an opportunity for kids and parents to work together. 4-H gardening programs are perfect for beginners. Programs are designed to allow the participant to learn as they go and learn by doing. Forty acres and a mule are not required to garden successfully.

Gardening is something that requires trial and error. When we learn from experience we can apply it to so many aspects of our lives.

In 4-H, the H stands for Head, Hands, Heart and Health. 4-H participants have a pledge: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

These words certainly ring true in the garden where head clearing can naturally occur simply by being there. Loyalty is a necessity for success in the garden. No garden would thrive without hands willing to nurture and care for a garden that could feed you, and others as well. Gardening is good for our health in the exercise it requires and the safe, healthy food it produces.

In addition to gardening, 4-H participants can learn about composting, pests, local food, healthy eating, meal planning and other topics related to food grown in a garden.

Developing a love for gardening can lead to greater self sufficiency and even a career in horticulture. Participating in 4-H can help develop character, build lifelong friendships and create a more well-rounded person. Reading Avant Gardener every week doesn’t hurt either.

4-H is for kids ages 5-19, but there is a place for adults as well. 4-H counts on volunteers to help make their programs a success. Perhaps if you have some expertise, or just time to share, there is a place for you as a volunteer at 4-H. You might even learn a little something about gardening while you’re at it.