What are Some of the Benefits of Teaching Kids to Grow Their Own Food?

Besides the obvious of promoting a healthier lifestyle, it encourages them to eat more fruits and vegetables because they grew them. When kids are involved in the process of growing their own food, they are more likely to try new things and develop a taste for fresh produce. Letting your kids help pick out the seeds or plants at the nursery is a great way to get them excited about not only gardening, but eating what they grew!

In addition to the health benefits, it’s also a great way to get them outside and active. Gardening is a physical activity that can help improve their coordination, balance, and overall fitness.

Gardening can be a valuable learning experience for kids. It helps them develop important skills such as responsibility, patience, and problem-solving. They learn about the life cycle of plants, the importance of soil and nutrients, and the effects of weather and climate on growth. 

Getting kids in the garden also is a great way to teach kids about sustainability and the environment. It encourages them to think about where their food comes from and to appreciate the hard work that goes into producing it.

How Do You Start a Garden with Kids?

Get dirt, seeds & plants! Starting a garden with kids can be a fun and exciting project for the whole family. Whether you have a large backyard or just a small balcony, there are plenty of ways to get started. The first step is to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has good soil drainage. 

If you’re starting a garden in a small space, consider using containers or raised beds. This can make it easier for kids to reach the plants and can help prevent damage from pests.

Have the kids help you decide what you want to grow! Let them help you choose the seeds by going through seed catalogs and even more fun, take them to the greenhouse to purchase the plants you want to grow. Be sure to bring a catalog that shows a wide variety of pictures so the kids can see what the final product will look like! 

It’s important to choose plants that are easy to grow and maintain. Some great options for kids include tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, and strawberries. You can also consider growing herbs such as basil, parsley or mint, which can be used in cooking and can be a fun sensory experience for kids. You can show them how to use the mint to make tea!

Be Sure to Choose the Right Plants for Kids to Grow!

When choosing seeds & plants for your kids to grow, it’s important to consider their age and skill level. Younger children may enjoy planting fast-growing seeds like beans or radishes & even sunflowers! Older children may be ready to tackle more challenging plants like tomatoes or peppers. 

It’s also important to consider the climate and growing conditions in your area. Some plants may require more sunlight or water than others, so be sure to choose plants that will thrive in your specific location.

What are the Appropriate Gardening Tools for Kids?

Remember they are kids, so again think about age appropriateness. Having the right tools can make gardening a lot easier and more enjoyable for kids. Some essential tools include gloves, trowels, watering cans, and pruning shears. 

It’s also important to choose tools appropriately sized for your child & that are easy for them to use. You can also consider purchasing child-sized gardening tools, which are designed to fit smaller hands and make gardening more comfortable. 

There are also child sized rakes, and shovels that will make your child feel extra special. Be sure to get them their own padded knee pad as well!