Hello Educators and Parents,

Welcome to successful gardening with children, a journey that blends discovery, exploration, transformation, joy, and learning about nature to the hearts of young children. Gardening is an immersive, hands-on experience that enriches young children, engages their senses, and sparks lifelong curiosity about their environment and the natural world.

Gardening is more than planting seeds; it is a transformational opportunity that teaches young children science, literacy, mathematics, and social skills and aids in their motor development. It’s diverse and rich, allowing children to get outdoors and learn about their natural world outdoors. It’s a classroom without walls, where the sky above and the soil below work together to produce bountifully. Children love digging in dirt and watering plants – gardening creates the best of both worlds. 

Get your clipboard ready for a successful garden. Let’s bring the sunshine and fun to our classroom, helping our early years children understand plant life cycles, our ecosystem, and the rhythms of gardening, thus creating a nurturing environment.

• Planning Your Beautiful Garden 

• • Envision the garden space: Whether it’s a large outdoor garden or a small indoor garden.
  • Choose a sunny spot with easy access to water.
  • Decide on your garden choice – in the ground, raised beds, or containers.  

• Involve the Children in the Planning

• • Discuss what kinds of plants or themes interest the children (e.g., butterfly garden, smelly garden -the children’s word for a sensory garden) 
  • Consider the local climate and which plants are suitable.

Download your free guide : Gardening with Children

• Selecting Plants and Seeds

• • Opt for non-GMO seeds. Choosing organic seeds or nonorganic is a personal choice. 
  • Choose child-friendly plants or flowers that are easy to grow: Sunflowers, zucchini, tomatoes, zinnias, cosmos, etc.
  • Purchase seeds or seedlings from reputable sources.  

• Garden Tools and Safety

• • Introduce child-sized gardening tools to your children.
  • Teach your children safe gardening practices, emphasizing the importance of keeping tools away from their bodies or friends’ bodies.
  • Set and communicate boundaries for where it’s safe to dig and explore.

• Soil Preparation and Planting

• • Explain the importance of healthy soil and identify weeds.
  • Demonstrate how to plant seeds or seedlings and discuss spacing and depth.
  • Use trays, biodegradable cups, or other creative containers for planting your seeds.

• Caring for the Outdoor Garden

• • Teach children about the needs of plants: sunlight, warmth, and water is necessary for growth.
  • If you started your garden indoors, gradually introduce plants to outdoor temperatures (hardening off).
  • Practice wise watering techniques to avoid over or under-watering.

• Pest Management and Maintenance

• • Use natural pest management strategies: Companion planting, insecticidal soaps, etc.
  • Engage children in weeding and maintaining the garden, helping them differentiate between weeds and plants.

• Educational Activities

• • Encourage keeping a garden journal for observations and drawings.
  • Organize themed or scavenger hunts to explore plant parts, insects, and the ecosystem.
  • Incorporate art projects inspired by the garden, like leaf rubbings, painting stones, and making flower portraits.

See the blog Gardening with Children in Our Nature School

• Harvesting and Beyond

• • Celebrate the harvest by picking fruits and vegetables together.
  • Discuss the nutritional benefits of the produce and plan some of your meals with the garden’s bounty.
  • Teach children about composting leftover plant materials.
  • Composting will help close the loop about the gardening cycle and help feed ecosystems.  

• Fostering a Deep Connection with Nature

• • Use the garden as a springboard for storytelling, sensory exploration, and understanding the interconnectedness of our world.

Conclusion

Engaging children in the early years with gardening activities goes beyond growing plants. This holistic whole-being approach to education encompasses science, mathematics, the arts, emotions, social skills, and motor skills. This journey through gardening fosters a deep appreciation for nature, teaches valuable practical life lessons, and creates lasting memories.

For those looking to learn more about gardening with children, I am working on a comprehensive gardening guide, which offers detailed insights and additional activities to enrich your gardening experience.

Happy Gardening! Let’s cultivate young minds and green thumbs together. Until next time, I am Miss Sue your educator in the trenches with you. xoxo Miss Sue