Getting outside and into nature gives kids the chance to learn in a hands-on way while developing coordination and gross motor skills. The texture of the soil, the sounds of the insects and birds, and the taste of vegetables inspire the senses of familiarity and surrealism. Patience is rewarded when the harvest arrives and is shared with the family. Learning by doing allows youngsters to create lifelong habits, values, and skills that help them make healthier and more sustainable choices for themselves, the community, and the environment. Getting your kids involved in gardening is much easier than you think.
Here’s what you need to do to help your little ones develop a passion for gardening.
Read About Gardening in Kids’ Books to Inspire a Love for Nature
Gardening is a rewarding experience for everyone involved, as it’s beneficial for physical and mental health. Your kids’ love of gardening will come through observing you go about your life and seeing what you value making time for. Not only is gardening an excellent way to connect with nature, but it’s also a great opportunity to instill a passion for reading. Reading about gardening in children’s books helps your loved ones explore the beauty of nature and foster a love for the environment – the books can be a bridge to having meaningful conversations. There’s no reason to stop reading to your kids just because they’re able to read themselves.
After reading Miffy’s Garden by Dick Bruna, your children will understand more about what happens in the garden, both above and below the ground. Miffy wants to start a garden from scratch, so she digs the ground, sows some carrot seeds, and checks on her little plants every couple of days to ensure they have enough water. Tony Mitton, the famous and prolific children’s writer, worked closely with Dick Bruna’s publisher to create new translations for the classic Miffy story. You’ll enjoy the story and the rhymes probably more than your loved ones will.
Get Kids Excited by Letting Them Plan the Design of The Garden
Give your kids their own place to grow plants or vegetables so they’ll be more willing to get involved. It shouldn’t be too big as to be difficult to manage. Irrespective of whether you have young kids, teenagers, or grandchildren, you can have a beautiful garden that appeals to the senses. Create a shared space outdoors where everyone can come together. Children can be picky when it comes to what they want to grow, so let them take the initiative in deciding how things should be done. Your kids will learn to be responsible by watering, harvesting, or weeding. By allowing kids to make decisions early into their young lives, they develop a sense of responsibility and self-confidence.
Supply Kids Gardening Tools and Make Them Feel More Independent
Gardening tools can be a potential hazard, so it’s essential to keep them out of sight and out of reach. Every tool has a dangerous side, whether it’s used for cutting, breaking up the soil, or weeding. Have child-sized tools for your family to use when starting on the gardening journey. These smaller versions of grown-up tools are suitable for children ages seven and up and are often sold in sets. You don’t need to have a vast collection, but having the right gardening supplies can make a world of difference. Examples of tools it’s hard to do without include:
- Gloves: Gloves protect the hands from stubborn dirt that gets on the fingers and under the nails. Ensure the gloves are breathable and the size is appropriate (they should fit snugly but not too tight).
- A watering can: Too much or too little water is the reason why plants don’t grow. Adult watering cans are too big or too heavy for youngsters to use, so don’t waste your money. Kids’ watering cans are made from sturdy, lightweight plastic that makes watering more practical.
- A shovel: A shovel is a must-have tool for various tasks, such as digging garden beds and paths or shifting soil around. What you need is a shovel that’s suitable for slightly younger children, without sharp edges. It’s recommended to get a greater quantity to have on hand.
- A wheelbarrow: Wheelbarrows are available in all sizes. As you can imagine, child-sized wheelbarrows can’t hold too much but are strong enough for a small load of leaves. To make it extra special, you can personalize the wheelbarrow with your kid’s name for a small additional cost.
Super Fun Garden Activities You Can Do with Your Kids to Nurture Their Green Thumbs
Children need a little bit of help and guidance, so you’re responsible for planning and decision-making. Besides growing and tending to their crops, your little ones can do other jobs. Your kids may have learned about plants and nature at Miffytown, exploring Miffy’s green space, so encourage their curiosity by giving them a simple task, such as picking ripe produce and washing it in the home. With time, the youngsters will crave more control over their activities, so let them take a more active role in preparing and tending to the garden. Talk them through every task you perform.
From weeding to watering, there are multiple garden chores the children are sure to love. If you can find a small rake, have your loved ones help with collecting the leaves and picking up stray grass. They enjoy making a big mountain, while you can add the garden residue to the compost pile. Have your kids check the leaves of larger plants for annoying critters (slugs and insects); they’ll be your eyes. Transplanting seedlings or small plants to give them the space they need to grow is a delicate job, so it would be best to work together on the first few ones. There’s the possibility that not every transplant will be successful.
The Takeaway
Fresh air is always welcome, and youngsters love nothing more than getting out and exploring. You can nurture your kids’ green thumb by making gardening more attractive. Instead of worrying about keeping them clean, encourage your children to get dirty and abandon the hope of a clean home.
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