April Showers...

...bring May flowers! I remember learning that saying in grade school. And although the showers here in the Pacific NW aren't officially gone until July (yes, it's true), all that extra rain means gardens really thrive here.

Many moms I know plant small gardens and get their children to be involved. Sure, it's a great way to show kids where our foods come from and perhaps give them a watered-down science lesson as well. But my daughter just loves the digging, watering and playin' in the dirt. Since it's outside, I don't mind the mess, and it's been a great way for us to bond.

I found some safety tips from Parents.com that are well-worth keeping in mind while creating a garden haven with your little ones:

• Pay attention to which products you use. Keep chemical fertilizers, weed killers, and insecticides away from kids. Better yet, the association advises, don't use them. Stick with natural methods instead.
• Offer kid-sized tools. Shovels and rakes that are the right size for an adult can be dangerous for your kids. Invest in pint-sized versions.
• Test your soil for lead. Homes built before 1970 often have lead paint. Even newer homes may have lead in their gardens, since soil is often trucked in from another location.
• Be careful with water. Remember that a bucket of water can be dangerous for a toddler, so be sure to supervise carefully when water is around.
• Monitor for allergies. Kids may have reactions to certain plants or flowers. Be on the alert for sneezing or skin irritations.

See the full article here.