Small Spaces, Big Discoveries: Urban Gardening with Toddlers

Nestled in the heart of our inner-suburban sanctuary, my toddler and I embarked on an enchanting journey into the world of gardening, right in our own little courtyard.

When he was just 15 months old, with hands eager and eyes filled with wonder, we planted our first potato seeds. Together, we nurtured them, adding soil as the leaves reached skyward, learning the subtle art of patience as the visible growth paused and the real magic happened below the surface.

Our sunflowers and tomatoes delighted us daily, blossoming under the sun's watchful eye. But the humble potato, our hidden gem, offered its bounty in secret, cultivating a surprise that lay out of sight. To my curious little one, the potato plants served as a secret fort, a place for laughter and play, the treasures beneath their leaves yet to be understood.

The harvest brought its own kind of enchantment. As the leaves turned brown and bowed to the earth, we knew it was time. The joy on my son's face, the thrill in his voice as he exclaimed 'more more' with each new potato we unearthed, brought the kind of fulfillment only nature can provide. This was not just about potatoes; this was about life, growth, and the precious bond between earth and eater.

 

 

This experience taught my son the cycle from 'soil to tato', instilling in him the wonder of growth and the value of food that comes not from a store but from our very own hands.

From our freshly-picked potatoes came a feast: a rich curry and homemade naan bread, crafted not just for sustenance but as a celebration of our journey from garden to table.

For city dwellers and suburban families alike, this is a testament that connection to nature can flourish anywhere, no matter the size of your space. This is the heart of Little Makers - discovering, creating, and learning together, nurturing a bond with the natural world. It's more than gardening; it's crafting a legacy of love and learning, one 'tato' at a time.