Now is time to include children

By David Carter | The Natchez Democrat

Published Sunday, June 10, 2007

The Adams County Extension Service is committed to both adult and youth programming so every chance we have to incorporate youth in activities we strive to do so.

I also recommend parents and grandparents strive to find ways to get children and grandchildren active in gardens. As days are heating up the task of maintaining gardens gets no easier. Here are two questions I received this week one on getting youth active and how to manage pests.

Q. Are there any good gardening activities for kids?

A. What?

Absolutely, there are countless ways to get youth involved. Having youth help with outside activities is most beneficial from the standpoint it allows us to spend time with them away from the TV, video games and unproductive activities.

Even though most kids may not like the chore of pulling weeds or digging holes, having them active in picking vegetables, making flower arrangements or planting potted plants can be made fun, worthwhile and relaxing. With children try doing things that will provide a good visible, tangible or edible product once the work is done.

Here is an idea for a great family activity. Even though Halloween is over four months away, it is a time most children love to dress up, have fun and carve pumpkins. You and your children and grandchildren can plan to grow your own pumpkins. In order to get the large attractive pumpkins for Halloween they need to be planted before July 1.

Some varieties you can choose for carving include the Howden, Jack O’ Lantern or Spirit. For a simple decoration the Jack Be Little is a small variety only about 3 inches tall but can be used for decoration for months. For a real challenge and something kids will enjoy, plant a Big Max, they grow up to 100 pounds. Keep in mind pumpkins grow on vines and do require more space than many tradition garden plants. This will provide you several months of quality time and results in something fun and family oriented, as well as teach children about the benefit of gardening.

Q. My eggplants and tomatoes are suffering from insects what do I do?

A. Tomatoes and eggplants are rewarding to grow and produce, but yes they do often require constant attention from pest and diseases. Too many potential insects exist to mention in this section but here is a simple one to identify. The Colorado potato beetle attacks eggplant and tomatoes by eating their leaves; it is usually more severe on eggplant than tomatoes.

This beetle is tough to control because it quickly becomes tolerant to many insecticides. This beetle is easily recognizable by the 10 parallel black and tan (or gold) stripes on its wing covers and the boxy shape of its body. Gardeners should invest in pyrethoid insecticides to fight this one since the common ones we use are not very effective. However, if you have a small garden or plants in containers on the porch, it is much more practical to simply pick them by hand and reduce chemical use.

David Carter is the Mississippi State University Agriculture Extension Office county agent for Adams County. He can be reached at dcarter@ext.msstate.edu.