Extension

Spring gardening – it isn’t just for adults. There are many benefits of including children in gardening activities.

 

Gardening gets children out of the house, away from computer games and television and exposes them to nature. Under the guidance of caring adults, the younger generation can develop responsibility, work ethic and even patience. Gardening also boosts sensory development and builds fine motor skills.

 

When children are starting their gardening journey, make sure they have the right-sized tools. Most gardening stores offer child-size tools. Children can be a bit impatient, so it’s good to begin with edibles and pretty flowers that grow fast and are easy to grow. A few suggestions include cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, basil, chives, daffodils, marigolds, sunflowers and pansies. Think about the different textures of the stems and leaves.

 

Also, consider planting any vegetables with out-of-the-ordinary colors, such as purple beans, yellow beans or red cabbage. When children are involved in the gardening process, research shows they’re more likely to try new, nutritious foods.

 

Starting with things that don’t take as much expertise to grow will help keep them engaged and excited about their new project. Through the process they’ll develop skills and knowledge they need to move on to more challenging garden selections.

 

Choose a site for the garden. Youngsters can create the garden border with stones. Painting the stones can add a splash of color in the landscape and help children develop creativity. If garden space is limited, consider a small container garden. One or two containers on a patio is a great place to start for beginning gardeners.

 

For a longer-term activity, consider planting a fruit tree. There are a number of miniature varieties available that can pique the interest in first-time gardeners. 

 

Gardening isn’t just about the flowers, fruits and vegetables. Children can learn about the different insects they observe in the garden and discover which ones are friends or foes. Butterflies are often found in a garden. Check out a book from the library and learn more about butterflies.

 

Learning about composting is another skill children can carry into adulthood. Taking food scraps and yard waste and turning into rich garden soil is a great process for them to learn about. After all, successful gardening starts with good soil.

Letting children get their hands dirty in an activity where they can see and taste their success provides them with endless learning opportunities.