As gardeners, we all know that the right tools are important for growing the best produce. Yet, many of us either have our children use our tools or buy them little plastic garden toy tools and let them play in the dirt while we do the serious gardening. Neither of these options, however, helps them learn or offers ways to help.

Besides that, plastic toy tools can be dangerous in the garden, as they can break or crack and large "grown-up" garden tools are heavy and awkward for little hands. This can cause frustration and may even lead to discouragement and cause the child to abandon their desire to help in the garden.

Child garden tools are different in many ways from regular tools. Whereas adult gardening tools are made to be more high tech and ergonomic, kid's gardening tools are made for little hands and minds. Made of the same, or similar, materials as their adult versions these tools are simpler and have far fewer options available.

Fortunately, garden tools for children are available at most big box retailers, plant nurseries and landscape or garden shops. And the best way to start your child on the path to loving plants and gardening, begins by making a plan which includes them. Don't just buy a bunch of child's tools. Decide what you want to do right now and get only those tools for your child that will help them help you on that particular project.

For instance, let's say you want to do a little container planting; growing tomatoes, miniature fruit and a few herbs. When you go to the store to purchase the pots, mulch, topsoil and whatever else you'll need, take the kids with you. Ask the salesperson which gardening tools the little ones will need for this specific job and make sure the kids are with you during the whole buying process. Call first to make sure the retailer has kid's gardening tools before you go.

Try and plan your outing so that you'll have time to at least start the project when you get back home, as the excitement level will be the highest then. And when the tools are cleaned and put away remember the kid's gardening tools go with all the other tools, not their toys. Do this each time a new project, or part of a project requires and soon the kids will be gardening like experts all by themselves!

For more on kid's gardening tools, along with other free tips and ideas for your home and garden, go to RemodelQuickTips.com and click on KIDS GARDEN TOOLS in the navigator column on the left or anything that catches your eye. You'll find lots of free information to help you find smart, inexpensive ways to improve your property!