Gardening For Kids: Tips On How To Include Children In Gardening
Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Lori Pace
Gardening for kids is not only a fantastic way to connect with nature, but it also instils a sense of responsibility, patience, and wonder in them. Engaging your kids in gardening activities can stimulate their curiosity, develop their observational skills, and enhance their love for the environment. Here are some tips on how to instil a love of gardening in your kids.
Start Gardening For Kids With Easy And Exciting Plants
Begin your child’s gardening journey by choosing plants that are easy to grow and care for. Opt for plants that grow quickly so that your child can see the results of their efforts in a short time. This can include fast-growing vegetables, such as radishes or beans, or flowers, like sunflowers or marigolds. In addition to these, introducing a dynamic selection of shrubs can provide interesting textures and colors to catch their attention. Shrubs such as hydrangeas or lilacs also add a sensory aspect with their vibrant blooms and pleasant fragrances.
Provide Them With Their Own Garden Space
If possible, allocate a small area of your garden where your child can plant and care for their own plants. Having their own garden space gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility. It can be a small plot, a raised bed, or even a few pots on a patio. Let them choose what plants they want to grow and guide them in how to care for them.
You could also consider using a PVC planter.
Involve Them In The Entire Process
From choosing the seeds, planting them, watering, to finally harvesting or seeing the blooms, involve your child in the entire gardening process. This helps them understand how plants grow and the amount of care and patience it takes.
Also, don’t shy away from the less glamorous aspects of gardening, like weeding or composting. Explain to them how each step contributes to a healthy garden.
Make Gardening For Kids Fun And Educational
Turn gardening into a fun and educational activity. For instance, you can create a themed garden, like a pizza garden where you grow tomatoes, basil, and peppers, or a butterfly garden with plants that attract butterflies.
Teach them about the life cycle of plants, the importance of pollinators, and how composting works. You could also introduce simple science experiments, like growing beans in a clear jar, to show them how roots form and grow.
Encourage Exploration
Let your child dig in the dirt, look for insects, and observe the birds and other creatures that visit the garden. Encourage them to ask questions and find the answers together. Gardening provides endless opportunities for exploration and learning.
Be Patient And Celebrate Success
Gardening involves trial and error, and not all plants your child grows will thrive. Use these opportunities to teach them about resilience and problem-solving. When a plant does grow well, celebrate the success to motivate them to continue gardening.
Instilling a love of gardening in your kids can nurture a lifelong respect and fascination for nature. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to learn, grow, and enjoy the outdoors. Remember to keep the activities fun, age-appropriate, and hands-on. As your child watches their plants grow, they too will grow – in curiosity, knowledge, and respect for the natural world.
