By Martine Carlina, naturallysavvy.com

Gardening is a great way to teach your nieces and nephews about the wonders of the natural environment. Research shows that kids involved in the pleasures of tending a garden are more likely to eat their fruits and vegetables.

Get them started with summer-time gardening on Auntie’s Day, July 22! Consider enjoying a fun and enlightening gardening experience with your nieces and nephews on your special day – an experience that both you and the kids can continue to enjoy as your garden grows.

Fun choices for your aspiring “green thumbs” are:

Sunflowers: There are many varieties to choose from, and they sprout and grow quickly, allowing your little ones to experience the whole germination and flowering process. Flowers are also the main symbols for Savvy Aunties because of the love and warmth associated with them, so consider making sunflowers your garden’s main attraction!

Peas: A particularly fun veggie to grow, peas go through an interesting process that will teach your nieces and nephews a lot about the wonders of plant life. They will be amazed at how flowers turn into edible food!

Radishes: They grow quickly and easily and show how tasty food comes from inside the earth.

Pumpkins: Watch them grow from a tiny seed to a huge gourd. Once their prize pumpkin is ready to pick, get your nieces and nephews involved in baking a delicious pumpkin pie!

Published: July 16, 2012