It's still winter, but I'm thinking of the Spring garden

Kids and gardening.

The public image is that gardening with your children is wonderful.  A synchrony of fun and learning, fresh air and exercise, a veritable Epcot center of scientific discovery right in the backyard.

So why is it I find myself sneaking around behind my kids’ backs whenever I want to plant something?

Do I want to deprive my offspring of an educational opportunity?  Stunt their growth?  Deprive them of fun?

No.

Yes.

No!  OF COURSE not!

Yes.

Maybe.

Gardening is everything tinies (and me) love:  dirt, itty bitty seeds, dangerous pointy things, things to dig with and stick in the ground, more dirt, WATER HOSES, manure, plants to yank out, flowers to pluck, unripe fruits and vegetables to pick.

I understand the allure.

Over time I’ve learned a few survival strategies to keep things under control.  Barely.  Sometimes.

But I could use a few more.

Help.

What do you do to keep the peace and get the veg in without becoming a Garden Troll?

And please tell me I’m not the only one who cringes when the toddlers head toward the seedlings.