Gardening is a fun and hands-on way for kids to learn, whether you have only a few plant pots or a full backyard garden. Kids can learn to recognize different plants, identify what plants need to grow, and see how they change through the seasons. Taking care of plants also helps kids practice responsibility and patience. Try these ideas for getting kids involved in the garden!
Help with regular gardening jobs
Let kids join in with planting, watering, and weeding. They’ll be proud of the garden they help grow!
Invite birds and bugs
Make a bird bath or a bee hotel, or plant flowers that will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Make a fairy garden
Let kids choose plants for their fairy garden and decorate with small houses and props. You can even try different themes, like a dinosaur garden!
Keep a garden journal
Have kids draw or write about what they see in the garden. They can track how their plants are growing, what bugs they see, and how the garden changes over time. Try measuring your plants as they grow or looking at them through a magnifying glass to get to know them better.
Play games in the garden
Treasure hunts or I Spy are great ways to explore your garden! What different colours, shapes, and textures can you find?
Eat what you grow
Growing food that kids can cook with or snack on (like berries, cherry tomatoes, or peas) helps them learn about where their food comes from. And they can enjoy the excitement of eating something they’ve grown!
Read about gardens and plants
Books about gardening, plants, and insects can help kids understand what they see in the garden. Check out the booklist below for picture books and nonfiction to learn about nature and inspire kid-friendly gardening projects.
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