Nurturing Nature in Children

As children grow older, their interest in nature often takes a backseat to the allure of screens. However, with a little creativity, parents can inspire a lifelong love for gardening and the great outdoors. The key is starting kids young and giving them ownership.

The Benefits of Gardening with Kids

Gardening with kids offers numerous benefits, including:

• Teaching patience and responsibility
• Introducing healthy food choices
• Encouraging physical activity
• Providing a sense of accomplishment and pride

Starting the Garden

Let Them Pick the Plants

Take children to the nursery and let each decide what they would like to grow. Annuals and perennials should be limited only by the site’s conditions and their non-toxicity. Leaves and stems of tomato, potato, and rhubarb are toxic, so be sure to monitor them closely. Otherwise, let the kids have complete control.

• Vegetables should be ones they like to eat
• They’ll take pride in a meal that includes ingredients they grew themselves

Let Them Lay Out the Garden and Name It

Back at home, let each child use a yardstick to measure a 3-square-foot plot of land to call their own. If you don’t have garden space, give them a container with drainage holes. Let them name the area or container and design a sign that reads, for instance, “Olivia’s Garden” or “Noah’s Nasturtiums.”

Offer Advice on Plant Care

Teach kids that gardens need to eat and drink like they do. Show them the symptoms, then let them figure out when their plants need water or fertilizer. Observe the sun’s movement across the sky together and situate the plot where others can admire it.

• Be available to offer advice, but don’t insist on perfection
• Teach children not to step on plants, but let them get dirty

Teaching Kids to Care for the Garden

Mistakes are the Best Teachers

Allow kids to make mistakes, such as picking an unripe tomato or immature potatoes. They will quickly learn that an unripe tomato doesn’t taste as good as a ripe one, and that an early harvest is wasteful.

• Teach children not to waste food
• Encourage them to learn from their mistakes

Creating a Maintenance Schedule

Hang a calendar somewhere visible to schedule watering and weeding. Let them take responsibility for checking it and alerting you when those tasks need to be done. Crossing off completed items will impart a feeling of accomplishment.

The Rewards of Gardening with Kids

Gardening offers food and flowers, but it also teaches patience, responsibility, and the satisfaction that comes from nurturing something over an extended period. It’s also relaxing and creates precious one-on-one time that they’ll remember long after the flowers have faded.

Conclusion

Gardening with kids is a great way to nurture an interest in nature and inspire a lifelong love for the outdoors. With a little creativity and ownership, kids can develop a lifelong appreciation for gardening and the great outdoors. By following these tips, parents can create a fun and rewarding experience for their children.