Gardening with Kids Can Benefit Both Children and Adults
Gardening with kids is a great outdoor activity that allows the whole family to participate. From selecting your vegetables and flowers, preparing the earth and planting, and harvesting, gardening with kids can be a wonderful way to spend quality time with your children and a healthy hobby all can enjoy. Working in the garden, children learn to work together and share, and helps a child build all senses.
Do your children consume the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day? We’ve known for years that fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that keep us healthy. According to nationwide nutrition survey research, daily consumption of fruits and vegetables decrease risk of stroke, cancer, and heart disease; improved memory; and lower blood sugar levels. So why not try.
Gardening with children can benefit both children and adults to create a connection with nature. Studies show that nature and gardening are great stress relievers. Benefits of gardening with your children:
Here are some tips for gardening with your children:
- Study what kind of climate you have before you start. Once you know your zone, you can find out what plants to select.
- Designate a place where your child will be gardening.
- Teach them about the importance of quality soil and soil preparation.
- Before starting a garden with your children, the first thing you should do is remove any large debris, rocks, and branches.
- Let the kids lay out the shape of the garden or draw on paper first.
- Ask your kids what kind of plants, vegetables or flowers they like to plant and let your kids pick them out.
- Explain what will work well in your garden and what won’t. If planning vegetable gardens, show row spacing, and distance between plants.
- Let them help in the selection of seeds and blossoming plants at the nursery. Let your child do the money calculations.
- Depending on your kid’s age, let him/she dig, weed, or watering. This is a great way for your child to explore.
- Get them their own gardening tools. Nothing will motivate your little gardener more than having their own little shovel, gardening gloves, watering pail, and colored rubber boots.
- Plant some quick growers to keep the child's interest.
- Watch plants grow and enjoy time together in nurturing nature.
Gardening is all about having fun and learning. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or try something different. Back to DIY Gardening Tips Page
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