Getting kids involved in the Garden
One of the things we love about gardening is that it can be a family activity. Some of the best times spent in the garden involve my husband and I working alongside each other to prepare beds, fertilize, plant, prune, or harvest, and our kids right behind us helping in any way they can (or undoing the work we’ve done. Haha!).
Our kids have joined us out in the garden even before they could walk or talk. They would sit in their stroller or in a baby seat in the shade and happily play and watch as we tended the plants. As soon as they began to walk, they wanted to be involved, especially enjoying digging in the dirt. Here are some great ways to get your kids involved outdoors, even when they are still toddlers.
Give them their own garden space
Whether it’s a pot or a portion of a garden bed, kids love to have a space to call their own. Our kids have always loved having their own gardens. When we had limited space, each of them was given a pot which they helped to fill with soil and then planted with anything they desired. They had the joy of planting, digging (what little kid doesn’t want to dig in the dirt!) and watering.
This also teaches them to take ownership and learn the responsibility of maintaining a small area; weeding, watering and harvesting. Another option for small spaces are a few pots in a windowsill or on a front step.
Now that we have a larger area for gardening, each of our kids has a 2x2 raised bed. They have already been clearing and prepping the beds, even this winter, in preparation for the spring. Having a spot of their own has increased their excitement about being outside in the garden, and given them enjoyment even before the planting begins.
Let them choose the plants they want to grow
Whether looking through a seed catalog and circling the plants that look good, picking out seeds from the local hardware store, or selecting seed starts at a greenhouse, kids love the ability to choose their own plants.
Once they make their selections (with appropriate guidance), they have the chance to learn all about planting, fertilizing, how much sun their plants need, and how to properly care for them.
There is nothing more exciting then seeing that first, tiny green shoot appear and then watching as it grows and matures.
Find tasks that are age appropriate
There are many tasks that kids are capable of performing in the garden, depending on their age and abilities.
Digging and preparing beds for planting.
Putting seeds into the ground- younger kids can drop seeds into already prepped holes, or help scatter lettuce, herbs, or flowers that needs less precise planting.
Digging out weeds, or taking weeds you have picked and piling at the ends of the rows for easy cleanup.
It is helpful for kids to have their own tools such as kid sized water cans, shovels, rakes, hoes and gardening gloves. These can easily be found at your local hardware store or bigger chain stores such as Walmart or Menards.
Let them help with the harvesting
The best part of gardening comes when it is time to harvest the fruits of your labor. Kids can be a great help at harvest time (except when your toddler picks a dozen of your best paste tomatoes while they are still green and throws them across the yard). Our four year old was the most determined pea harvester, proudly filling her container all the way to the top.
Our kids were also big helps in picking our black beans and shelling them. The best part of having little helpers, was the fact that our two and four year olds were ecstatic to see the potatoes we dug up and excitedly picked up every single one. They turned what normally would have been a back breaking task into an enjoyable experience.
Not every child will love picking up potatoes or shelling beans, but you may be surprised at the tasks your child is able and excited to do. The labor will be sweetened by the chance to sample the harvest as you work. A fresh sweet pea off the vine, or a cherry tomato ripened by the sun, never tasted better then when eaten immediately after being picked. This can also be a great way to help kids try things they normally might be hesitant to eat.
Safety tips for little ones
Be on the lookout for weeds that can be poisonous if consumed, especially when gardening with toddlers.
Teach your kids that not all plants are edible and they should always check with you before eating anything from outside.
Be sure to take frequent breaks, especially in the heat, for a cool drink or a popsicle. Little ones overheat quickly in the hot sun, so try to garden earlier in the day.