Logan has discovered gardening. He has always been interested in plants and helps me out a great deal in the butterfly garden. About a month ago, he decided to spend his allowance on a couple of red bell pepper plants. Why, you ask? Because he heard me complaining about the price of red bell peppers in
Publix. He really is a sweet boy.
All was well then he bought a greenhouse set and convinced Madison to buy one too. Then they bought seeds. All with their allowance money. I try not to interfere when they spend their allowance unless it's something that is clearly not appropriate. Other than that, they learn more by doing than by me lecturing. All this is another post altogether.
The problem here is that as with most things that Logan gets interested in there is no middle ground. There is just obsession and over the top. When he is interested in it, that's all he talks about or wants to do. There's no let's get a few things and be done. Logan figures if a little is good then more must be better. So, while most kids would be happy with a veggie plant or two. Logan has enough seeds and plants for the whole neighborhood. We have red bell peppers, 2 types of tomatoes, cucumbers , squash, black eye peas, basil, dill,, potatoes and onions. Watermelons and pumpkins are waiting to go into the greenhouse when it's the proper time. Every single time he goes to the store, he wants to grab some seeds. (He's totally itching to grow strawberries so I may splurge and get him some strawberry plants and the Topsy Turvy strawberry grower for Easter. I haven't decided yet.)
For once, I am going to let him run wild with this obsession. He can grow until his little heart is content. We can always give the extra produce to the food pantry. Maybe I'll be able to find a cheap pressure canner and take up canning this summer. That would be fun. He'll learn the value of hard work and helping others. I get cheap organic produce. Sounds pretty good to me. Guess we aren't learning about animals next term. It sounds like a great time to learn botany, don't you think?
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Comments (6)
Other than a pressure canner, you can also reseal regular jars. Just put food in them when it is REALLY hot.
When it cools, it will suck the little button down and seal the jar. I am experimenting with it now for how long it will
keep a batch of chili I made. I'm going on three weeks. I'll let you know when I finally open the jar. :)
Sounds like a very healthy obsession to have :) My daughters and I are just getting into gardening even though it is Autumn here in Australia. We've got a tiny courtyard instead of a backyard so I've used some old shoes as plant pots and nailed crocs to the fence as hanging baskets. The girls think it is pretty cool and have been excitedly showing it off to all our visitors since.
I just saw a lecture at a conference by Valerie Paradiz about fostering deep and focused interests in individuals with ASD. This totally fits the bill! I know it seems strange and over-the-top to you, but it's fantastic that you're helping him to pursue the things he's interested in- who knows, he may have a bright future as a botanist
.
It may seem over-the-top to you, but much like @abigator85@xanga - said, it's not only a fantastic outlet for Logan, but also a possibility for a future career. A thought, like @keystspf@xanga - said, you might want to have the foods hot, and re-use jars that are already in the house.
When I was young, my mom took up heating the glass jars, heating up various food ingredients, and, while all objects were hot [and thus sanitary], sealing the jars.
Food pantry donations, veggie basket gifts, canned gifts for holidays are also quite a treat, and the kids will be able to proudly proclaim that the whole thing was Their Work.
I think you've set upon an excellent idea, to be honest.
curiosity and exploring aren't bad traits for a kid to have when used productively, being a young botanist doesn't sound too bad a thing to me...
I am an old Botanist and some of the knowledge comes in handy.