For a few weeks now, Arthur has been desperate to get out into the garden whenever he can. He’s had a very particular mission: spotting his little watering can has triggered memories from last summer, and now every day without fail he asks “Arthur water plants please mummy?” 
Naturally I can’t refuse – not only because of the extreme cuteness of his polite enthusiasm but also because I am RUBBISH at remembering to keep plants watered, so this would be an extremely handy tendency to foster. It has all seemed a bit pointless though with the state the garden’s been in, and I found myself cringing as I’ve watched him water the weeds that had usurped the vegetable garden and the dry husks left from last year’s herbs. But this week we finally did something about it. 
The weather has continued to be glorious, and we seized the opportunity to go to the garden centre. Arthur was utterly enthralled by the huge variety of plants, and it was all I could do to keep up with him as he darted between them. 
We decided to focus on edibles – Arthur really enjoyed picking dinner from the garden last year, and I’m hoping it might help with his increasingly ambivalent attitude to vegetables. So we got a courgette plant, and a variety of lettuces. And more herbs. And, most excitingly of all, some strawberries, with a special pot and everything. 
There’s definitely space for more, but I figured it was best not to get too ambitious straight away…
And in between another hectic week of campaigning we managed to get it all planted. Clearing out the raised beds was the hardest bit, though Arthur was thrilled by the worms and woodlice we discovered. We kept the kale as it seems to have a bit of life in it yet, and now just have to wait for our new specimens to catch up…
Arthur loved getting his hands dirty, and whilst his efforts were perhaps more hindrance than help in the planting stage he was back on form with his watering efforts and had made sure I haven’t forgotten our responsibilities as the week unfolded. I’m keen to get some more plants in before my enthusiasm passes – maybe some sweetcorn? Or peas? I had my eye on a miniature apple tree too which I think Arthur would really enjoy… 
What would you recommend for a green fingered toddler and his decidedly novice mummy to get started with? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
My word of the week this week is planting.
My three kids always enjoyed sugar snap peas and green beans. They eat them right off the vine – no better snack out there! I may have to follow your strawberry lead, though. Good idea! Happy planting!
I am so motivated by your post. I hope to get my kids out in the garden this week.
Ah, he so clearly loves it! I really enjoy gardening and getting my kids involved, too – they love worms as well! They have their own little patch of garden, though I’d say it’s more Boo’s for planting, Little Man’s for digging! My two like raspberries, which are easy and we eat a lot of them, we have a little blueberry bush and loads of strawberries. We tried veg last year, but it was mainly the fruit we used up, so sticking to that now. Flowers like sunflowers, marigolds and poppies might be fun? Enjoy! Thanks for sharing with #WotW x
what a satisfying day outdoors with something to admire t the end. Looks like a great garden centre and a very happy little boy helping you at every stage. Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
Aaww, those photos are so cute! I’m sure Arthur will love picking his own fruit and vegetables. My boys loved picking and eating their own green beans and strawberries last summer 🙂 Popping over from Country Kids