Gardening for Kids
Gardening is one of those great activities where children can receive a whole heap of benefits. It’s not just about planting plants, but it’s about learning about patience, responsibility and the environment.” For kids aged 6 to 12, gardening is a wonderful way to get them outside, to get their creative juices flowing and to introduce them to basic science. In this blog, you will find great tips, the basic rules, and some FAQs to lift the new gardener and make the journey of gardening fun and educational.
The Benefits Of Gardening For Kids
gardening fun and educational.
The Benefits Of Gardening For Kids
Gardening is a great way for children to learn by doing, get to know nature, develop skills, and see the beauty of nature. Kids can grow flowers, vegetables and even some small fruits, all while figuring out how to care for plants and foster them into a flourishing living thing.
When you introduce your kids to gardening, you’re teaching them:
Motor skills (digging, planting, watering)
Patience and responsibility (plants need to be attended to every day)
Creativity (designing & personalizing their garden)
Natural and scientific knowledge (examining plant growth, insect life and ecosystems)
Gardening Tips for Children 6 to 12 Years Old
Here are some tips to get started so your kids will have fun and be successful with their gardening endeavors:
Put Your Everything into Easy-to-Grow Plants
Ideal for newcomers, I recommend beginning with easy-to-grow and maintain species. When kids achieve quick results they are more successful and more motivated! Here are some great plants as a beginner:
Sunflowers – These are big, yellow, and easy to grow.
Tomatoes — a high-yield veggie you can do in a small area
Radishes – They’re fast-growers, so kids get to see results quickly.
Marigolds — These bright flowers are some of the easiest to grow, and make any garden pop with color.
Lettuce – Adding more people to that list, it is a great vegetable that grows quickly and is easy to take care of.
The first and the most important thing to know is that you are not bedridden.
If you lack space for a sizable garden, use containers to build yourself a small, portable garden. Planters can be as lavish as pots and buckets or as simple as your old shoes. This way kids can participate in growing, watering, and caring for plants even if you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space.
Hold a Fun & Educational Session
Gardening is a lot more than digging and planting. It’s also a great way to teach kids about science and the environment. Kids can:
Follow plant growth – Keep a gardening log to jot down observations such as the height the plant has reached, the frequency with which it requires water, or the changes within leaves.
Insect introduction — Introduce your kids to beneficial bugs such as ladybugs and bees, and explain pollination and ecosystems.
Learn about the weather — Discuss how rain, sun and temperature influence plant growth.
Provide Them Their Own Gardening Space
Divide the garden portion so that each child has a small plot dedicated to them or use containers. This encourages them to take care of their own space and plants. (“Let them pick whatever flowers or veggies they want to try growing to allow them some control in the process of gardening”) That, in turn, ignites their creativity and enthusiasm.
No.11 Teach kids about watering and soil
A good garden starts with soil. Explain to children why good soil matters, and have them work in compost or other organic matter to help make the soil rich and healthy for plants. Teach them how much and how often they should be watering and how to tell when things need more water as well. As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to water in the morning so that the plants dry out by nightfall.
Add Some Creative Garden Fun
Creative projects that make gardening more fun. Children enjoy getting tactile and trying, and here are some fun ideas:
Paint garden markers — Kid made garden markers will add a touch of color to your plants.
Make bird feeders — Help your child make simple bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter and bird seed so they can attract birds to their garden.
Make a scarecrow − Create a scarecrow to protect your garden using old clothing, straw, and a wooden frame, and have your kids be the designers.
The Value of Patience and Observation
Gardening is an exercise in time, and it is important to teach kids that not everything grows overnight. Encourage them to observe their plants every day and write down any changes they see (e.g., when flowers start to bloom, when vegetables are ready to be harvested). It teaches kids to be patient and to appreciate a sense of accomplishment.
Gardening Rules for Kids
To help keep things fun, safe and successful, here are some rules for kids to follow when gardening:
Choose Child-Sized Tools: Ensure that children are only using tools that are age appropriate. If your tools are too large or sharp, they can be dangerous. Mini-shovels, hand rakes and watering cans are ideal for wee gardeners.
Another important thing to do is to water plants (When necessary): Plants need hydration. Children learn about watering, but not over-water, which will damage plants.
Guarding Plants from Pests: Teach the kids spotting the common garden pests such as aphids and caterpillars. Teach them safe, natural ways to get rid of pests without harming plants, at least not with chemicals — organic sprays, for example, or by bringing ladybugs in.
Weed the Garden: Taking the weeds out helps the plants grow. Teach your children to pull up weeds the right way, yanking them from the roots so that they won’t return.
MAMMALS DO NOT NEED TO LIVE: After mating, teach children to be careful about plant caring. Reinforce not pulling on plants or disrupting them too much while they are growing.
Safety First: Young children should be supervised at all times while gardening, especially with tools and plants. Ensure that they wear sunscreen, gloves and sturdy shoes while working outdoors.
General Questions (FAQs)
Which plants are best for kids to grow?
Sunflowers, tomatoes, radishes and marigolds are particularly easy and rewarding plants for kids to grow. They bloom quickly and are easy to care for.
How much garden space do I need?
You don’t need a lot of space for gardening. Children can grow plants in small pots, window boxes or a small patch of yard. For kids who have limited space, containers and raised beds are the best options.
When is the time to start gardening?
Spring and summer are optimal times for planting, but many vegetables and flowers can start growing indoors in late winter. In colder climates, winter gardening may include indoor plants such as growing herbs or small vegetables.
Is my child able to garden in the winter?
Yes! Out-door gardening is limited in winter, but you can grow some indoor plants such as herbs and poinsettias or small farm vegetables like spinach or lettuce. Children can also help to collect seeds for the next growing season.
How do I introduce soil to my child?
Demonstrate the effect soil has on the growth of plants in relation to the importance of soil. Plants need good, rich soil to grow healthy and strong. You might also demonstrate how to enhance soil by adding compost or organic material.
Gardening is one of those fun and educational activities for kids aged 6 to 12. It provides them with valuable life skills such as responsibility, patience, and creativity, along with inspiring an appreciation for nature and the environment. With the proper tips, rules, and guides, gardening can become an interesting and educational activity for your kid. So pick up a trowel, get gardening and grow together — your little horticulturalists will just blossom!
