Oh, the family garden.

Or what was supposed to be the family garden, that everyone was supposed to help out with. But somehow turned into a solo project for you.

So how do you dig yourself out of this project?

Here are a few tips to re-engage your kids or begin teaching your children how to garden. And love it.

Focus on Fast Growing Plants

Your children probably don't have enought patience to wait the whole growing season to reap the rewards of say, a big pumpkin. They will need a little instant gratification. Or as instant as it gets when it comes to gardening.

It doesn't matter what it is you plant at first. Your children will just be thrilled to see the first leaves and stems sprout from the seeds they planted.

Lettuce grows very fast and continues to grow until it gets too hot. Other fast growing plants are: spinach, radishes and zuchini.

Plant Things They Like

Once your children have seen the fruits or their labor begin, they will work hard to be able to sample them. Grow food that your family likes. Great ideas are sugar peas, strawberries, tomatoes and carrots.

Gardening is so much more fun when the results are tasty.

Give Children Ownership of a Specific Area

You can instill a sense of pride in your children if they have ownership of a certain area. It is also easier for them to keep up on the maintenence of the garden if they know exactly what they need to do.

Work Along Side Your Kids

Work is always more enjoyable if you are doing it with someone else. Children will be more willing to work if they have the company of their parents and siblings.

This is also a great time to have meaningful conversations with your children. Kids will talk more about things that are bothering them when they have something else to focus on.

Keep it fun and non-stressful

Don't get too ambitious. Start small. Everyone will get burned out and resist gardening if the area is too overwhelming. You can always add more space the next year if you find that your family handled this year well.