A garden is a place of mystery, adventure, collaboration and accomplishment. It’s a place to learn about our environment and where natural, whole foods come from. It’s where children can laugh and play while developing valuable social and cognitive skills for a brighter future. If your child has never been introduced to gardening before, these are just a few reasons to start.
Children Who Help in the Garden May Eat More Fruits and Vegetables.
Research has shown that children engaged in gardening projects may eat more fruits and vegetables, become more knowledgeable about nutrition, and continue healthy eating habits into adulthood. Gardening can also improve social skills, behavior, academic achievement in math and science, and attitude towards the environment. With all of these positive outcomes, let’s dig in! Below are some ideas adapted from kidseatright.org to help you and your young one get started.
Involve kids in every step of developing a garden.
From designing the garden layout to harvesting and cooking the produce for a meal, this will allow them to understand the whole process. They’ll feel accomplished and excited to eat the food they have grown.
Teach responsibility.
Assign tasks such as raking, watering and harvesting.
Keep It Fun.
Give kids a task that they want or prefer to keep the activity fun and positive.
Start with a small garden.
Start with kid-friendly items such as salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, watermelon and cantaloupe.
No space is too small!
Don’t fret if you have limited yard space. You can also grow produce on your porch, balcony and windowsill.
