Children are, by nature, very curious beings and hands-on learners which makes gardening a perfect hobby you can introduce them to. This is a great opportunity to teach them the skills they can utilise later in life, and strengthen their patience and perseverance through gardening process.

Your children will also experience satisfaction from observing the growing cycle of the plant they’ve been taking care of and become more respectful of nature. Here are some tips on how to customise the gardening process and make it more kid-proof:

Garden beds

Don’t just give your kids a random, messy corner of your own garden space. Instead, assign a special bed, ground plot or a container to each of your children. For beginners and younger kids, it’s best to start with small-scale patches. Pick the spots with the richest soil and ideal light to start their project on the right foot.

If your kids are no longer playing with their old sandbox, you can refurbish it to make their own private garden. Children will thus deal with a familiar object which will further encourage them to take responsibility for it. Don’t forget to sift it properly and place it in an optimal location.

Give them adequate tools

There’s no use in being overprotective and equipping your young gardeners with poor quality plastic tools. This will only create additional frustration and hold them back, instead of allowing them to explore the world and use real-deal tools.

Finding the tools such as small gloves and spades or hoes that are adjusted for tiny farmers can be a challenge, but rewarding. Regular watering is an important element in gardening, so take your time to teach your teens how to use the handy cartage tanks. The kids will be impressed and honoured to use this spaceship-like apparatus.

Engage your kids

Make sure you involve your kids in every step of the process, from planting seeds to dining table. Kids can master the matter more easily if they know the context of their activity. They will see the amusing side of the gardening, as well as the rewarding aspect – providing food for their family.

Apart from planting and garden upkeep, let your kids harvest the veggies and prepare it for use. Some of the garden tasks can be a tad demanding for the younger kids, so the parents should then take care of some “backstage works”. This may include eco-friendly pest control and sprinkler system management.

Seed start

Although it may be more convenient to purchase the already grown plants, it’s advisable that your kids begin their garden adventure with the seed planting step. This will provide them a direct insight into that precarious period when the plant life is still vulnerable and uncertain. You can relocate the process temporarily to a warm indoor environment, and move plants to pots once they sprout.

Fun factor and exhibitions

While the process itself is entertaining and amazing on its own, you should add an extra layer of fun to the entire procedure. If you notice their interest is starting to fade, start a fun side-project, like scarecrow making.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to showcase your kids’ garden achievements to your cousins, neighbours and friends. Take photos of their work and decorate it with progress prize ribbons. This will keep them motivated for future projects.

Top crops for kids

Lettuce

• Quick results: germinates in 7-10 days, grows in 30-50 days (depending on variety)
• Prefers partly shaded and moist soil
• Boosts kids’ interest in salads

Snow peas

• Germinates in around 10 days, matures in two months
• Prefers shaded locations; no trellis required
• Its pod is edible and kids can try it fresh of the vine

Cherry tomatoes

• Attractive look
• Prefers sunny locations
• Requires seedlings, compost and ground-level watering system
• Stake placement can be fun for kids
• Can be grown in small containers
• Edible veggies in 50-75 days

Children only need a little nudge to get drawn into a fantastic world of gardening. The whole process and your assistance will make them fall in love with it for life.

What do you love growing in the garden? Share with us below!

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