Kid-Friendly Gardening
Ella Koshti, Anoka County Extension Master Gardner
Gardening encourages kids to form connections with nature, learn about responsibility and patience, and acquire valuable life skills. By nurturing their love for gardening, we are sowing the seeds for a greener future and raising a generation of environmentally conscious individuals.
Here are some practical ideas to help you get started on your gardening adventure with kids:
Create a Kid-Friendly Garden Space
Designate a specific area of your yard or allocate containers for the children's garden. Make sure the space is easily accessible and safe for them to explore. Consider using raised beds or vertical gardening options to maximize space and make it easier for children to reach the plants.
Let Them Choose
Involve your children in the planning process by allowing them to choose the plants they want to grow. Provide them with a selection of age-appropriate plant options and let their preferences guide the decisions. This empowers them and encourages their active participation in the gardening process.
Start with Quick-Growing Plants
To maintain children's interest and enthusiasm, opt for plants that have a shorter growing cycle. Fast-growing vegetables like radishes, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes are great choices. Herbs such as basil and mint are also quick to grow and can be used in the kitchen later, adding a culinary element to the experience. Looking for flowers? Zinnias and marigolds germinate quickly and are low maintenance.
Make it Hands On
Children love to get their hands dirty! Allow them to experience the tactile nature of gardening by involving them in activities like planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, and watering plants. Encourage them to feel the texture of the soil and explore the various parts of the plants.
Teach Environmental Stewardship
Use gardening as an opportunity to teach children about the importance of caring for the environment. Explain the benefits of composting and recycling and involve them in creating a compost pile. Discuss the significance of pollinators and how to attract them by planting flowers.
Incorporate Learning Activities
Make learning fun by incorporating educational activities into the gardening experience. Create a scavenger hunt where children search for different types of leaves, insects, or specific plants. Introduce them to the concept of measuring by asking them to track the growth of plants over time. Engage their creativity by encouraging them to keep a garden journal or draw and paint the plants they observe.
Celebrate Harvest Time
When it's time to harvest, involve children in picking the ripe produce. Let them taste the fruits of their labor and encourage them to create simple recipes using the harvested vegetables and herbs. This not only reinforces the connection between gardening and healthy eating but also instills a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Remember, the key to successful gardening with children is to keep it enjoyable and age appropriate. Be patient, embrace their curiosity, and celebrate their achievements. Gardening together fosters a love for nature, instills valuable life skills, and creates lasting memories for the entire family.
Do you have yard and garden questions? Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinics are held at Bunker Hills Activities Center on Wednesdays, through August 16, from 6 - 8 p.m. Ask a Master Gardener Online is held the first Tuesday of each month, through December, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Visit anokamastergardeners.org for more information.