gardening for children

[geoff]

A colleague at work has a son about 6 or 7, and he's just become interested in gardening
Can anyone think of something that this little boy, and possibly his friends, can grow now; either indoors or outdoors? All I can think of is cress in a saucer. It would be a shame if he had to wait till the spring

[rustylady]

Oh dear, it's really a bit late to be starting things off now. Cress is always a good one. How about sprouting seeds which can be used in sandwiches or stir-fries. Herbs (parsley, mint, coriander and chives) can be grown in pots on a windowsill.

[womble]

Get some seedling spring cabbage from somewhere and get him to plant it, I would explain how most things are started in the spring and get him to start planning what he wants to grow.
You can also get him digging

[Two_Sheds]

Got any rabbits/guinea pigs?
I sow the seed you get in their dry food, in a seed tray, so they can have fresh greens over winter.

You can grow broad beans of course ... if you do one in a clear pot he can see the roots developing etc.