Kids Atlanta - June 01, 2009

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Farmer D’s Tips for Organic Gardening with Kids

Mary, Mary, quite contrary how does your garden grow? With pesticides, and herbicides, and tons of toxins all in a row?

Help harvest a healthier herbivore with Farmer D’s tips on involving little seedlings in backyard gardening.

Eat
Grow fun, edible plants like cherry tomatoes, lemon cucumbers, green beans, and okra. And then bring the garden into the kitchen for dinner prep. (Plant cucs and beans near sunflowers — they can use them as trellises.)

Drink
Make sun tea with herbs like mint, stevia, and lemongrass. Got a wild bunch? Brew with lemon balm or chamomile to chill them out.

Be Merry
Paint signs for plant labels. Go on scavenger hunts for bugs and worms. Make dried flower cards. And write your local senator about getting more fresh local food and organic gardens in schools.

It’s all about planting seeds.

Farmer D’s organic gardening products available at Farmer D Organics Garden Center, 2154 Briarcliff Road, LaVista Park (404-325-0128 or farmerd.com).

EXPLORE
Natural Artists
What: Explore the sculptures of Henry Moore and how nature inspires art during this family drop-in class.
Why: Cultivate their curiosity, naturally.
When: Sat., 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Midtown (404-876-5859).

GIVE
Pigtails & Crewcuts Cut-a-Thon
What: All adult and children’s haircuts benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Why: Hair today, gone tomorrow.
When: Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 3208 Paces Ferry Pl., Buckhead (404-842-0383).

MAKE
Wired & Fired Drop ’N Shop
What: Kiddos (potty trained only) create a dishwasher- and microwave-safe piece of pottery while parents stroll the hood.
Why: They could turn clay into something for Dad’s Day.
When: Wed., 10 a.m.-noon.
Where: 994 Virginia Ave., Virginia Highland (404-885-1024). Reservations required.