Gardening with Blind Children - Weeding!

Weeding - how in the world can a blind child or a child with a visual impairment learn to weed?  Well, it may take a while, and a child who is really willing to learn, but you can start with plants purchased at a garden center.  Even lettuce is sold in trays now.  Have your child, or an adult who is blind or visually impaired who wants to learn to garden, feel the texture of the leaves of the desirable plants  and contrast those with weedy plants.  Also note that plant textures change -sometimes quite dramatically - as the plants mature.  Contrast lettuces with broccoli, chinese cabbage, "regular" cabbage and radishes.  Check out the tiny feathery tops of carrots compared to the robust growth of new onion plants or spinach.  Many plant leaves have a distinct odor.  Compare the odd smell and texture of a tomato plant, or a kale or swiss chard plant.


However you decide to do it, learning to weed is an exercise in patience, for both student and teacher.  


Many who write books on organic gardening say that you should plant extra so there is enough to share with the "critters".  If you are serious about your child learning to garden - and this applies to any child, not just a child who is blind - plant a LOT of extras and be willing to sacrifice a few plants in order to foster that learning.