Aeration keeps soil clumps from becoming rock-solid bits of earth, helps water to drain through soil, and removes excess thatch build-up. In addition to benefiting your turf, it also helps micro-colonies of beneficial organisms that live in your soil to stay healthy.

Although aeration, especially core aeration, is best when done in springtime, you can aerate your lawn any time after frost is out of ground.

Be sure to buy good quality, child sized gardening tools. Plastic toy versions just won’t hold up to task. You will also need children’s gloves and a watering can.

Mark off garden area and turn soil. Kids can help break up any lumps with their hands. Work in some organic compost.

Choose seeds that will grow quickly. Small children get impatient if their plants take too long to sprout. Radishes, Snapdragons, Cosmos, and Sunflowers will all germinate quickly. Carrots and strawberries are also easy to grow-- and yummy to eat.

Large seeds like beans and Morning Glories are easy for small fingers to push into ground. You can start your seeds indoors in an eggshell carton. When seedlings are an inch high, tear off egg carton, and leaving soil intact, transplant seedlings outside.

Or, try placing beans on a wet paper towel inside a zip top bag. Tape bag to a sunny window and wait for seeds to germinate. I can remember, as a child, checking my beans every morning before school. The first shoots appeared to my delight and we carefully transplanted beans outdoors.

Make garden markers by painting small rocks. This will help kids keep track of their selections.