Children are drawn to nature and the outdoors. This guide details the inclusion of gardening in the preschool curriculum at a university child development program in Illinois. Chapter 1 of the book, "Why Garden?" details the benefits of gardening for young children, describes the project approach used, discusses the role of the teacher, and presents procedures for developing a "gardening" topic web. Chapter 2, "Engaging Children in Gardening," describes how to foster personal investment and common knowledge, engage children in the process of discussing what they know about gardens and what they want to learn, plan fieldwork, choose garden themes, and document children learning throughout the project. Chapter 3, "Planning Your Garden," describes in detail--with sample plans--five theme gardens and includes ideas for other theme gardens. Chapter 4, "Building Your Garden," describes the children's role in building the garden, details construction steps for different types of gardens, and discusses plant selection. Chapter 5, "Working with Children in the Garden," discusses ways to include and supervise children in planting, maintaining, and harvesting the garden and describes the creatures likely to be attracted to the garden. Chapter 6 answers frequently asked questions about the gardening project. Chapter 7, "Universal Garden Learning Experiences," suggests gardening activities that can be done in any garden. Chapter 8 contains recipes for the garden such as potting soil and bug spray and recipes for the harvest. The guide's six appendices include lists of children's books and reference books about gardens and garden creatures, lists of sources for garden and environmental education supplies, a list of common and botanical names of plants mentioned, and a list of poisonous plants. Chapters 1 through 5 contain references. (KB)