To many parents, a child's place is definitely not in the garden. However, a vegetable specialist in the college says gardening with children can help families grow closer. "Young children are fascinated by how things grow," says Peter Ferretti, professor of vegetable crops. "All too often, adults who are really interested in gardening can be so involved in their own plans that they may exclude their children without realizing it."

Ferretti suggests a few ways to encourage children to get down and dirty in the vegetable garden.

When in doubt, cook. Ferretti says children can relate better to how vegetables are used when given the opportunity to create a recipe for the crops they have grown. "Don't worry about what is thrown into the pot," Ferretti says. "The experience of cooking is more valuable than the finished product. Of course, be sure to say it's great when you taste it."

Think big and colorful. A child's appetite is very specific, particularly when it comes to vegetables. Ferretti recommends offering children the chance to grow large or colorful crops, even if they don't like to eat them. "If Mom and Dad or grandparents like a certain type of vegetable, kids will enjoy growing it for them," he says.

Size doesn't matter. Ferretti says parents should allow child-ren to grow a few vegetables as big as they want, even if it means sacrificing taste. "Growing a three-foot zucchini is an accomplishment," he explains. "When an over-large crop is too tough to eat, it becomes a learning experience for the child."

Ferretti says that children especially enjoy growing certain types of vegetables:

Eggplant. "They're big, shiny, and purple," Ferretti says. "Most kids don't like to eat them, but parents can eat them. Kids also can paint faces on them or use them like Mr. Potato Head."

Ornamental corn. Maize, or Indian corn, is relatively easy to grow, and young children love the crop's rainbow of colors.

Sunflowers. Ferretti says the size and color patterns of sunflowers are fascinating to children, and the plants require minimal care. "You can roast the sunflower seeds to eat or harvest them for use in a bird feeder," he says.

Gourds. "Gourds grow in strange shapes and colors," Ferretti says. "The gourds make excellent bird houses, ornaments, spoons, or dippers. The plant also grows to a large size very rapidly, which gives children a sense of accomplishment."

Summer squash. Ferretti says this vegetable's bright yellow color is an initial attraction for children. "Summer squash will produce large crops, which means children can continually check for new harvests each day."

--John Wall