Hello Educators,

Now is the perfect time to prep and revitalize your child care garden, transforming it into a vibrant garden that offers both beauty and an enriching experience for children. Spring has sprung, signaling a fresh start not only for nature but for our surroundings as well. Drawing upon our “Checklist For A Successful Garden with Young Children,” let’s dive into making your space safe, educational, and engaging. Here’s how to start:

Photo of some basic garden tools for children and adults

Gathering your Tools

Gardening should be a source of joy, not discomfort or strain. I know many providers who’ve had surgeries, cortisone shots, and ongoing therapy due to the demands of our jobs. Lifting babies and toddlers and the constant toileting can be hard on our bodies. I have prepared this guide to help you choose garden tools that will make your gardening efforts more efficient, enjoyable, and gentle on your body. Here are some suggestions for the tools you chose: 

Ergonomic Design

Opt for ergonomic gardening tools designed to reduce effort and strain on your body. Look for features like padded handles, which reduce pressure on your hands and wrists, and tools with longer handles that allow you to work standing up or sitting without bending over or kneeling for extended periods.

Lightweight Tools

Select lightweight tools that are easy to handle, especially if you’ll be using them for long periods. Lightweight materials like aluminum can significantly reduce fatigue. Using the proper tools will help you model safe and comfortable gardening practices for the children in your childcare.

Child-Sized Tools

Invest in child-sized tools that are safe and appropriate for the little ones in your care. These tools should be lightweight, easy to handle, and without sharp edges. Having child-sized tools encourages participation and helps children transition to gardening activities safely and responsibly. This is a win-win situation that makes their experience more enjoyable for them.

Multi-Functional Tools

Consider tools that serve multiple purposes. A multi-tool can be a space-saver and reduce the amount of equipment you need to maintain your garden. As home childcare providers, we have already given up a lot of our home space for the business; it may be practical to reduce the number of tools needed for gardening to conserve your shed, garage, or basement space. For example, a tool that combines a hoe and a fork can be incredibly useful for various tasks, such as weeding and aerating soil, without switching tools.

Watering Solutions

Think about your watering needs. A lightweight watering can with a detachable sprinkle nozzle can make watering less of a chore and more precise, preventing over or under-watering. Consider an expandable hose or a soaker hose system for larger gardens to ease the task and ensure even watering.

Safety Gear

Let us pay attention to our personal protective equipment. Gloves protect hands from blisters, cuts, and dirt. Sun hats, sunscreen, and knee pads are also essential for outdoor work. They protect from the sun and cushion knees during planting or weeding.

Storage Solutions

Finally, a well-organized storage system for your tools will keep them in good condition and make them easy to find. This can be as simple as a storage bench or a designated area in your shed. Proper storage not only prolongs the life of your tools but also keeps them safely out of reach of children.

By considering these factors when selecting garden tools, you ensure that gardening work is easier on your body, more enjoyable, and safe for everyone involved. Remember, the right tools can transform gardening from a chore into an engaging, educational, and therapeutic activity for both you and the children in your care. Now, let’s start the clean-up process. 

Assess Your School Yard

First, survey the landscape. Identify potential spots for planting herbs, vegetables, hanging plants, or shrubs. These areas should be accessible, safe for children, and conducive to plant growth. Consider sunlight exposure, drainage, and proximity to your childcare activities.

Start Your Spring Clean-Up 

• Trim Old Grass: The grass that served as shelter and food for winter birds now needs trimming. Start by cutting it back to help its new growth.
• Prune Vines: For vines that provided nesting materials, like Clematis or sweet peas, prune them a few inches above the root. Pruning your vines encourages healthy growth and prepares them for the season ahead.
• Weed Out: Begin the weed removal process, carefully distinguishing between unwanted weeds, perennials, or self-seeding annuals, and make a comeback. Some weeds make good mud kitchen additions and may be useful for personal care. Studies show dandelions and purple nettles have medicinal benefits – please research these before ingesting. 

• Soil Preparation: Tilling the soil or incorporating compost can improve its quality. This step is crucial for a fruitful garden, providing the necessary nutrients for your plants to thrive.
• Cleanup Debris: Collect fallen branches and trim overhanging tree limbs, especially those that could obstruct walkways or pose safety risks.
• Safety Checks: Inspect old planter pots for sharp edges that could harm the children. It’s also a good time to retire any past their prime.
• Recycle and Reuse: Old clay pots can find new life in your garden. Broken pieces added to the bottom of containers improve drainage and promote healthy plant growth.

Download your free guide : Gardening with Children

Planning Ahead

With the groundwork laid, it’s time to look forward to your April garden. Essential steps include planning which seeds to sow, considering each plant’s educational value, and ensuring your garden is a safe, interactive space for children. This process beautifies your schoolyard and transforms it into a dynamic outdoor classroom.

Incorporating gardening into your curriculum offers countless teachable moments—from the science of plant life cycles to the responsibility of caring for living things. It fosters a connection with nature, encourages healthy eating habits, and cultivates patience, social-emotional learning, and other stem learning.

As you prepare your garden, remember the impact it will have on the aesthetics of your space and the hearts and minds of the children in your care. 

Conclusion

As we wrap up today’s guide on getting your child care garden ready for planting, remember that the effort you put into preparing your garden now will bloom into rewarding experiences for both you and the children. Gardening is not just about planting seeds; it’s about cultivating a deeper connection with the earth, fostering a sense of responsibility, and watching the wonder unfold as each seed sprouts into life.

Stay tuned for more in our series about Gardening with Children. We’ll explore fun, educational activities, tips for successful planting with little hands, and ways to integrate these lessons into a holistic learning experience.

Until next time, I am Miss Sue, your fellow educator in the trenches with you. I am sharing the journey of nurturing young minds and gardens. Let’s make this gardening season one filled with growth, discovery, and joy.

xoxo – Miss Sue