Plantings
Tomatoes and Childcare in North Carolina
In December 2010, the ban on growing tomatoes in outdoor learning environments at licensed childcare centers in North Carolina was lifted. Tomatoes can now be grown in the outdoor learning environments of children three years of age and older, as long as proper supervision is in place.
Starting Seeds in the Spring
Starting plants from seeds indoors to be ready for planting the spring garden is a great idea and there are several important considerations to be successful—timing, planting depth, and light for new seedlings.
Sunflower Houses
Sunflowers are one of the most magical, kid-friendly plants. A little sun and water and soil and those small seeds will quickly become the tallest flower in the garden. Planting them purposefully to create play areas is a great way to maximize the play value of this very affordable, and delightful, plant.
Safely Installing Planters on Asphalt
Sometimes the best or only option for greening an outdoor learning environment is to install planters directly on asphalt. Several options for safely installing raised planters on ashphalt are provided.
Installing Tire Planters
Tire planters are one of the most universally available and inexpensive types of planters, and are a great addition to any low-cost outdoor learning environment naturalization.
Raised Planters: Timber Construction
Raised garden planters are one of the foundational elements in natualized outdoor learning environments. They are more easily accessible, easier to control soil quality, and easier to maintain than in-ground beds. Requiring only lumber and soil, they are fairly affordable, as well.
Naturalizing Chain link Fences
For safety and supervision reasons, childcare centers have chain link fences along the perimeters of their outdoor learning environments. It is easy and inexpensive to naturalize a chain link fence with vines.
Reducing Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be pesky and sometimes make being outdoors unbearable. Tips are provided for safely and effectively reducing the number of mosquitoes.
Bees and wasps
Bees and wasps are attracted to the pollen and nectar provided by flowering plants. As insects visit flowers to gather pollen and nectar, they transfer pollen to the flower. Without pollination, seeds and fruit will not develop.
Wildflower Patch
Wildflower patches are a simple, one-season way to brighten your outdoor learning environment with flowers. Always beautiful (although not always tidy) wildflower patches are certainly one of the foundational joys of a childhood outdoors.
Harvesting and Eating Sunflower Seeds
The birds are attracted to sunflowers in your garden because they benefit from the high nutritional value sunflower seeds provide. They are also preparing for the winter months when there will be less food for them to eat. Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron as well as vitamin B complex, and a valuable source for protein, fiber and polyunsaturated fat.
Selecting, Installing, and Managing Plants
A comprehensive guide to selecting, installing, and managing plants in landscapes designed for children and families within naturalearning.org.
Sensory Gardens
Sensory gardens provide intimate spaces where young children can be immersed in the scents, textures and colors of plants and related elements.
Selecting Edible Plants
Learn about selecting edible plants in landscapes designed for children and families.
Grass Mazes
Grass mazes are composed of informal arrangements of ornamental "clumping" grasses. Grass mazes support chase games like tag and hide-and-seek, and provide space for intimate conversations, rest, and reflection. Design guidance for grass mazes is provided.
Growing Edibles in Containers
Container gardening is a great way to grow fresh edible produce in a child care center setting. Children delight in growing and eating their own food. Whether the center staff want to grow a few tasty herbs, a pot of strawberries, or lettuce and tomatoes for delicious salads, there are four keys for successful edible container gardening.
Painting Tire Planters
Painting tire planters makes them more attractive and keeps them from getting so hot. Following the suggestions provided will lead to more successful tire planters.