Many people like to grow plants in the yard, on the balcony or on the rooftop. Plants keep the air clean, and they play a great part in the growth of children in the house. Beyond the hobby, plants contribute to a child's development.

A study reported in the European Respiratory Journal followed the health of 3,200 children from birth to the age of 10. It found that children benefit physically and mentally when there is greenery around them.

• The more greenery there is around a child's home, the better their lungs tend to be compared with other children.
• Look after the plants together with your child. Water them regularly and give them organic fertiliser. This makes a child more responsible.
• You can grow various vegetables on the balcony or in a rooftop garden. Pick vegetables from the plants with your child and cook them together. Gathering their own food will make the child more confident in future.
• Greening makes a child a lover of nature, so the next generation will pay more attention to planting trees.
• Teach your child about the nutritional value of the vegetables grown on the roof or balcony. This builds their knowledge and helps overcome fussiness about food.
• Ask your child to collect natural fertiliser for the plants and to pick the fruit. The child will have a good time and become less attached to the smartphone.

• After planting, keep chemical fertiliser out of the child's reach. Focus on organic fertiliser instead of chemical fertiliser.
• Keep anything sharp used for cleaning or pruning the plants out of the child's reach. Store harmful tools at a safe distance from children.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.