NOTE for grown-ups:  With a smile and promise of a shared treat afterward, it isn’t hard to get a child to help you plant a garden. But how can you keep him or her interested? Here are some suggestions:

• Use crayons to plan the garden and sketch a design.
• Be sure to include visual clues for where to stand and where the plants are.
• Choose some plants that sprout quickly, others can spout slower.
• Plot plant growth once a week and keep a chart.
• Plans for good things to eat or pretty posies to enjoy are very inspirational.
• Making labels for plants allows children to personalize the garden and "mark their territory."
• Avoid being critical if interest waivers. This should be fun for everyone.