Kids Container Gardening : Year-Round Projects for Inside and Out [Paperback]

Cindy Krezel (Author), Bruce Curtis (Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Enthusiastic young gardeners have the opportunity to develop a green thumb and experience the joys of gardening in this how-to guide for kids. With 18 time-tested, proven projects gleaned from the author's experience as director of "The Good Earth Kids' Club," kids learn how to create a year-round assortment of container gardens that are simple to make, are fun to work on, and in many instances make great gifts. Organized by season, the container gardens run the gamut from "Great Big Garden Bowls for Mom" and "Father's Day Fountains" to sand art terrariums and special occasion holiday containers. In addition to providing the basics on plants and gardening, this helpful guide also includes a glossary of terms, a listing of plants used in the book, a list of resources, and numerous photographs to show kids that they're proceeding on the right path as they create their individual containers.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-8–What plants need, how to handle them, and zoning and climate are all covered in this attractive book. Projects include seeding and starting greenhouses, garden bowls, a vegetable hanging basket, a Fathers Day fountain, butterfly gardens, salad bowls, amaryllis pots, Halloween hats, succulent gardens, and more. Brief background information is provided for some projects, such as what specific plants attract butterflies, the color wheel, and annuals for planters. Cool Facts, such as why marigolds are planted with basil and tomatoes and information on worms and the Venus flytrap, are included. Each project lists materials needed and gives step-by-step directions accompanied by a few photos. Adult help will be needed in some cases, and the use of safety gloves and goggles is mentioned where appropriate. Recommended supplies are easily obtainable from garden centers and through online purchasing. The author brings both enthusiasm and expertise to this book. The few typos found shouldnt cause too much confusion. There is no index. Color photos of child models, varied typeface, and creative kid-friendly pages all add up to a fine horticultural treat that will thrive in most collections.–Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. Don't turn to this small, slim guide for a comprehensive introduction to gardening. A few introductory spreads do offer basic advice on handling young plants, learning the local gardening zone, and testing soil for dryness. The majority of the book, though, presents container gardening projects and related craft ideas, organized by season. Children will probably require adult assistance to puzzle through the instructions, assemble materials, and, in the case of a few projects, use power tools, and the resources section, which lists a few Web sites and suggests that kids contact their "local extension service," is weak. But the gardening projects and the crafts--from a worm bin and a Venus flytrap terrarium to whimsical "pot people" figurines--have inherent kid appeal, and many are perfect for urban kids without outdoor green space of their own. Color photos show kids ranging from tots to teens potting and planting. A good source of inspiration for camp counselors, teachers, and parents seeking manageable projects for young green thumbs. A glossary is appended. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: Ball Publishing (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883052432
• ISBN-13: 978-1883052430
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,605,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Offers 17 different gardening projects with kids in mind, December 14, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kids Container Gardening : Year-Round Projects for Inside and Out (Paperback)

Gardening is lots of fun, especially with this project-oriented introduction that offers 17 different gardening projects with kids in mind, from growing a hanging basket of vegetables to creating a water garden complete with fish. Simple lists of what's needed to start each project are embellished by color photos of young gardeners and botany insights with simple facts. Children in grades 3-5 will find Kids' Container Gardening most inviting.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely fabulous!!!!!, June 10, 2005

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Ronni M. Lieberman "Ronni" (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kids Container Gardening : Year-Round Projects for Inside and Out (Paperback)

I always am looking for great books with lots of kid friendly projects, as I am a teacher, and I have to say, this is one of the best! It is well organized, expertly researched and written, and is very versitile. The projects are applicable for a large span of age groups, and easilty adapted to whatever enironment you are using it in, whether home or school.
I bought 2 copies, one for the school, and one for myself- I can't wait to do these projects with my own children!

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative and Enjoyable!!!, June 10, 2005

By 

Julie "Julie" (Queens, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kids Container Gardening : Year-Round Projects for Inside and Out (Paperback)

I have 2 children, and this book brought great ideas to our family. It really created ways we could enjoy time and projects together. My son and I used one of the projects ( container gardening) for his school science project-it was fantastic.

I definately recommend this book for all parents and children. We are giving a copy to Josh's teacher as an end of the year present as well!