Abbie Tomson
Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth
@enevlorel @All4Birth
Summary
Gardening is more than just planting seeds and watching them grow; it’s an opportunity to nurture a child’s natural curiosity, patience, and connection to the world around them. When children get involved in gardening, they gain a hands-on understanding of nature, food, and the importance of caring for living things. It’s a simple yet powerful way to foster responsibility while also creating meaningful family memories in the fresh air.
Why Gardening is Great for Children
Children are natural explorers, and the garden is a perfect environment to engage all their senses. The feel of soil between their fingers, the scent of blooming flowers, the sight of tiny seedlings pushing through the earth—these experiences awaken a sense of wonder and excitement. Gardening also teaches delayed gratification, as kids learn that growth takes time and effort.
Beyond sensory and emotional benefits, gardening has tangible developmental perks. Studies show that children who garden tend to eat more fruits and vegetables, develop stronger motor skills, and experience reduced stress and anxiety. Working in a garden helps kids engage with nature in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship from a young age.
Simple Ways to Get Children Involved
Not sure where to start? Gardening with children doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few fun and easy ways to bring little hands into the world of plants:
- Start Small: A windowsill herb garden or a single potted tomato plant can be just as exciting as a full garden bed. Let kids take ownership of their plants and watch their pride grow as the plants thrive.
- Choose Fast-Growing Crops: Children can become impatient, so choosing quick-sprouting plants like radishes, sunflowers, or lettuce ensures they see results quickly.
- Make it Fun: Give them their own set of child-sized gardening tools, let them pick out their favorite flowers or vegetables to grow, and turn watering into a game.
- Encourage Exploration: Gardening isn’t just about plants—it’s about the whole ecosystem. Teach kids about pollinators like bees and butterflies, encourage them to observe worms and bugs, and explain how composting helps the soil stay healthy.
- Create Themed Gardens: A pizza garden with tomatoes, basil, and oregano or a rainbow garden with flowers of different colors can make the experience even more exciting.
Building Lifelong Habits
When children develop a love for gardening, they cultivate more than just plants—they cultivate a deeper connection to the earth and an appreciation for the food they eat. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, nurturing mindfulness, patience, and sustainability in ways that extend far beyond childhood.
So, grab some seeds, dig into the soil, and watch as both your garden and your child’s love for nature blossom together!
Links to other resources
Books
“The Garden Classroom: Hands-On Activities in Math, Science, Literature, and Art” by Cathy James
“Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children” by Sharon Lovejoy
“The Kids’ Guide to Gardening” by Sheri Amsel
“How to Grow a School Garden: A Complete Guide for Parents and Teachers” by Arden Bucklin-Sporer and Rachel Pringle
“The Edible Garden: How to Grow Your Own Food and Enjoy It” by Alys Fowler
Film, Audio and Apps
“The Kid’s Garden Show”
“The Gardening with Kids Podcast”
“Seed Stories” by The Green Schools Alliance
“Roots & Shoots – Gardening with Kids” (YouTube)
“The Children’s Garden” by National Geographic
Websites
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) – Gardening with Children
The National Gardening Association – Kids Gardening Section
Garden.org – Kids’ Gardening Resources
