Gardening is a very enriching activity. Teaching your children to garden allows them to learn about science, nutrition, and responsibility - but most importantly you get to see the satisfaction on their faces when they see their seeds grow into plants!
Here are some tips for planting a kid-friendly garden:
1. Plan:
Let your kids help you in the planning stages. Decide together which types of plants you'd like to grow. (choose something they like to eat!) Discuss which plants grow best together and what time of year you need to plant them. When selecting plants, choose ones that are easy to grown, like tomatoes, beans and lettuce.
2. Discuss the science:
This is a great time to talk to your kids about soil, composting, garden insects, and more. Which insects help the garden and which hinder? How can you get rid of bugs you don't want in your garden?
3. Get the right tools:
Be sure that you choose a set of tools that your children can use themselves. The more hands-on they can be the more fun they will have and the more committed they will be to the project. Get them their own set of real gardening tools rather than toy tools.
4. Create a Gardening Journal:
A journal is not only a great way for them to keep track of what they planted, but also which things grew the best. Encourage them to use their writing skills to describe what they do and see. They could also draw or take photos of the garden each week to show the progress. You can print your Free Gardening Journal here.
5. Research Recipes:
While you're waiting for your garden to grow, look for some recipes that you can make from your harvest. Spending time in the kitchen with your kids is an extra bonus, plus they are more likely to try something new if they grew it themselves!
Planting a garden may seem like just playing in dirt to your kids - but just look at all of the quality time and education it brings to the family!
