Getting Started

Getting started in the garden can be somewhat overwhelming, but local nurseries and garden stores can provide advice and supplies, including books on vegetable, fruit and flower cultivation. The following resources offer additional help for families starting from scratch:

The National Gardening Assn. (180 Flynn Ave., Burlington, Vt. 05401, phone (802) 863-1308) is a clearinghouse of information for 69 million gardening households in the United States. The organization promotes gardening with children, publishes a monthly magazine and produces books and videos on family gardening.

“Naturewatch: Exploring Nature with Your Children” by Adrienne Katz (Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1986, $7.95) includes projects for sharing nature and the garden with young ones.

“Guide to Kids’ Gardening” by Lynn Ocone with Eve Pranis (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1990, $9.95) offers tips on garden design, developing a site, fun gardening activities and indoor and container gardening.