Making Magic: Put Safety Firsst
It’s important when working in the garden to keep safety in mind while having fun. There may be parts of the projects that require the adult to create or to closely supervise. Below are a few more helpful hints:
Using your hands in the dirt is your sensory connection to the earth – but remember to put on gardening gloves and shoes when using diggers or cutting tools. And if your hands get excitingly filthy, you need to use good soap and water after playing. Applying hand lotion after washing keeps hands soft.
Lisa’s grandson hates this idea, but for small kids, under the age of 8, consider plastic tools. They do not work as well in the heavy soil, but adults can dig and the kids can assist. We have had a couple close calls with running, and with trowels as light sabers, so have lived the need for this lesson first hand.
Digging deep to create a new garden can be dangerous if you do not know where the buried power lines are. Be sure to call your power company so they can mark powerlines. “Call before you Dig” saves lives. (FYI – We used flags left behind from the power company marking lines for our campfire flames).
Always wash your tools after using and put your tools away when done with them. This keeps them sharp and in great shape for the next use, which makes them safer and there is no rust.
While vitamin D from the sun is healthy, sunburn is a very real concern when in the garden. Even if your garden is in the shade, please wear sunscreen.