Gardening with Kids!

Time spent gardening is time well spent, for all of us.  Children especially love working in the garden.  It is, after all, one big sandbox!

Gardening is an excellent life-skill to have.  Most of us want our children to know where food comes from (not Kroger), how to plant a seed and watch it grow, AND the importance of eating real, raw foods as God made them.

Getting kids working in the garden can accomplish all three of these goals.

An added bonus is the increase in food exploration!  If you want your 4-year-old munching on green peppers instead of Fritos – get them in the garden.  It is amazing what a child will eat if THEY grew it.

I have been gardening with children for as long as I can remember.

I have 4 children, whom I have homeschooled for the last 15 years.

So I always have children with me.  If I am working in the garden, there is usually one or four humans with me.

How we include our children in our gardening can have a big impact on their experience.

CREATE A LOVE FOR THE GARDEN

The last thing I want to do is turn my kids off to gardening.

I want them to have fun!

LET THEM RUN THE SHOW

When they are “helping me” it isn’t nearly as much fun as “growing their own.”

The year we put in our 21 raised garden beds I told each of my kids to pick one.

They owned their own bed.  This was the turning point in my children’s garden enthusiasm.  They could plant anything they wanted!  They could plant everything they wanted!  They got to decide!  They got to plan!

Each of my 4 children has a designated 4 X 8 garden bed that is their own.

Choosing what to plant and where to plant it is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening.  I want my kids to experience this and have fun with their own space.

Give them their own gardening supplies

First of all, weeding and tending a garden with the wrong equipment is not fun for any of us.

Kids love new toys.  Even if they are for gardening.

Letting them select their own gloves, a shovel, a few seed packets, and maybe a sun hat is an easy way to get kids motivated.  Dollar stores often sell these items, making it affordable too.

Picking Plants

Letting kids select plants can also boost their enthusiasm. They may need a little guidance choosing what will grow well.  Help them choose varieties that can succeed in your area.

As long as a variety can soar in your area, let the kids give it a whirl.  I have discovered some of my favorite plants simply by trying new things.

ATMOSPHERE

There are a few things you can do to make the garden a positive experience.

#1 Not too Hot

Garden during pleasant times.  Pick cooler days or cloudy days.  If it is screaming hot in your area most of the time, head out to the garden in the morning before it is too hot outside.

#2 Crafts

Garden markers as easy to make!  Cut small planks of wood and screw them onto tomato stakes.  Let the kids paint the markers for their gardens.  Craftier kids will love this.

#3 Bring the Music

There are few things more magnetic than loud music when it comes to teenagers (at least my teenagers).  Weeding 21 garden beds can feel like a party with some good music, laughter, and fruity drinks.

Keep the work-load realistic (and fair)

Try to keep the garden project on schedule.  Watch the time and try not to get too carried away.  I can be an overeager gardener with way too much planned for one day.

By splitting the work into small chunks it is easier on us all.

HYDRATION

Offer fresh juice, sparkling fruit-infused waters or your favorite beverage for all your workers!  They will love it.

I think when children help it makes them happy.  I see it in my 4 children.  Helping makes them joyful.  They know they are needed.  They are contributing to their family.  The work they are doing matters.  They get to be a blessing.

Happy Gardening!

XO,

Candi