As the last of winter disappears, it’s time to start thinking about and planning a garden. The kids can’t wait to pull out their shoves and starting digging in the dirt. They are anxious to plant their seeds and watch them grow into plants that will produce the vegetables we eat.
We all benefit from gardening, but children in particular benefit from the added fun and hands on learning experiences.
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“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” -Audrey Hepburn
Gardening with children helps foster:
1. Healthy Eating: Children are invested in the vegetables that they plant and care for and are more likely to eat them.
2. Appreciation for Science: Gardening offers kids a hands on way to learn how plants grow and where the food comes from that we eat. They also learn how the weather affects the growth of their plants; sun, wind, storms, and drought.
3. Responsibility: Kids need to keep the garden weeded and watered in order for their seeds and plants to grow.
4. Patience: This is a hard one even for me. I am ready for fresh salsa, cucumber salad, and fresh tomato slices now. It’s hard to wait weeks for the things we love to grow. Seeds take time to germinate and sprout. Plants take time to grow and produce fruit.
5. Bonding: Gardening is a great activity to do as a family working side by side for a common good.
6.Physical Activity: Children are outdoors when they are gardening soaking up Vitamin D and getting physical by digging holes, pulling weeds, and watering.
7. Self-confidence: Being able to say I grew that particular vegetable gives children a boost to their self-confidence.
8. Sense of Community: Gardens offer a great opportunity to to teach kids about helping others and giving back. It can be as simple as giving excess produce to your neighbor or the elderly couple who live down the street.
You also might like:
- Educational & Fun Gardening Books for Kids
- DIY Garden Markers
- Sprouting Seed Activity for Kids Inspired by The Tiny Seed
