Gardening with Kids

Playing in the dirt is near the top of the fun list for little kids despite the reluctance and protests of well-intended parents. If you happen to be one of those worried parents, put your fears aside.

As it turns out, dirt is actually beneficial to the long-term health of kids, according to a Northwestern University article by Clare Milliken, “Germs at Four, Less Inflammation at Forty.” Studies have found that early exposure to certain germs, like those found in dirt, actually helps kids’ immune systems learn to regulate inflammation better. In turn, this exposure reduces kids’ risk for many diseases throughout their lives.

Gardening build immunity

For that reason, a family garden is a perfect opportunity to build your kids’ immune systems, but it also offers lots of other benefits to kids and families. Through gardening, kids learn to be responsible by caring for plants, developing an appreciation for science and feeling encouraged to eat healthier. Also, the family bonding that comes with garden maintenance validates the effort.

So gather up your kids and gardening supplies, head outdoors, and get ready for some dirt-filled fun.

Getting started

• First, decide where to plant your garden, allowing a small space for your child to have his or her own garden as well. This will help build your child’s enthusiasm for the garden and encourage them to take ownership and responsibility for it. Having their own garden can be exciting and rewarding for kids because they know that they alone (or with minimal help), grew those little seeds into a marvelous plant.
• Next, decide what to plant. For young children, consider fast-growing plants they are familiar with. Little kids also love plants that are colorful or have strong scents.
• If your kids are older, let them choose what they want to grow. But keep in mind your child’s personality. If he tends to be impatient, suggest plants that are easy to care for and grow quickly.
• As you proceed in planning and preparation, include your child in it as much as possible. Remember, this stage is as much fun for kids as it is for parents, and it helps build enthusiasm for the process. Also, let your kids help you draw up the garden plan. If they’re old enough, they can also create their own shopping list.
• When you go shopping for the supplies, take your kids along and let them pick out their own seeds and gardening tools. For the safety of young children, look for kids’ gardening tools made of durable plastic.

Planting your garden

When you begin planting, show your child how to plant the seeds and how to space them apart correctly. Then have your child water the seeds as directed.  To help your child take responsibility for his or her own garden, put a daily gardening task list on the refrigerator.

Keep a garden log as an additional educational tool. Kids enjoy recording the date of plantings, each day’s gardening activities, when each plant sprouts, the amount of growth of the plants, and the harvesting.

Finally, after harvesting, have your child help you prepare the vegetables. Try different ways of preparing them to help your kid develop a life-long love for fresh, healthy veggies. 

SIDEBAR:

Books on Gardening with Kids

To get your family’s gardening project off on the right foot, consider an age-appropriate book, like these suggestions below.

The Little Gardener by Jan Gerardi (ages 3-4)

The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes (ages 3-7)

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner (ages 5-8)

Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy (ages 4-10)

Gardening Lab for Kids: 52 Fun Experiments to Learn, Grow, Harvest, Make, Play, and Enjoy Your Garden by Renata Brown (ages 8-12)

The Book of Gardening Projects for Kids: 101 Ways to Get Kids Outside, Dirty, and Having Fun by Whitney Cohen (for parents)