Best Age to Start Gardening with Your Children

What is the ideal age to start gardening with your children? While there is no definitive answer, gardening is a fun and educational activity that can instill children’s lifelong love for nature. Engaging children in gardening from an early age can benefit their physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

The age to start gardening with your children may vary based on individual readiness and interests. However, even toddlers as young as two or three years old can begin their green-thumb journey with age-appropriate gardening activities. At this tender age, children can explore the sensory aspects of gardening, feeling the soil between their fingers, observing different plant textures, and discovering the vibrant colors of flowers. As they grow, their understanding deepens, and they develop valuable skills such as responsibility, patience, and a sense of accomplishment.

Why to Garden with Children

Starting at a young age, gardening offers an opportunity for children to engage their senses, explore the natural world, and develop fine motor skills. Even toddlers can be involved in simple tasks like planting seeds or watering plants, fostering their love for nature from an early age. As they grow older, they can actively participate in planning and designing the garden, choosing plants, and understanding the importance of environmental sustainability.

Beyond the physical and sensory aspects, gardening teaches children valuable life lessons and skills. They learn about responsibility by taking care of plants and witnessing their growth. They also gain patience while waiting for seeds to sprout and plants to bloom. Gardening teaches them the importance of hard work and perseverance as they witness the results of their efforts over time.

Moreover, gardening with children offers quality bonding time for families. It allows disconnecting from screens and engaging in meaningful conversations while tending to the garden. Children can learn from their parents or guardians, who can pass on their knowledge and wisdom about plants, gardening techniques, and the natural world.

Kids That Grow Their Veggies Eat Their Veggies

Encouraging children to eat vegetables can be a challenging task for many parents. Still, there is a delightful solution that can alleviate the stress while fostering a positive relationship with healthy foods: involving them in the gardening process.

Don’t just take my word on this; I see the engagement and benefits of gardening with my kids every day. If you need more convincing, check out some of the studies below that examine the benefits of gardening with children.

Many studies have demonstrated the remarkable impact of including children in the cultivation of vegetables. A study conducted in 2009 aimed to assess the effects of school gardening on children’s vegetable consumption. The results unequivocally revealed that school gardening had a profoundly positive influence on children’s attitudes toward vegetables, their willingness to taste them, and their overall vegetable consumption. Moreover, engaging children in gardening endeavors broadened their horizons by exposing them to a wider variety of vegetables.

This approach isn’t limited to children alone; it extends its benefits to adults as well. The enchanting world of community gardens has shown that individuals who partake in gardening consume an astonishing 37.5% more fruits and vegetables compared to those who do not engage in such activities, according to extensive studies examining the impact of community gardens.

Numerous studies have consistently highlighted the positive effects of children’s participation in gardening. Apart from increased vegetable and fruit consumption, youngsters also acquire valuable knowledge about nutrition, plant ecology, and the art of gardening itself.

Start gardening with your children at an early and involve them gardening process, we can transform the experience of eating vegetables from a source of stress to an enjoyable and educational activity that nurtures a lifelong appreciation for healthy foods.

Tips for Gardening with Children

Start gardening with your children is an incredible adventure filled with wonder and discovery. To make this experience even more enjoyable, here are some gardening tips specifically designed to engage and inspire young green thumbs.

Let them take the lead: Let children choose what they want to plant. Encourage their curiosity and creativity by offering guidance while still respecting their choices. Let them explore their gardening preferences, whether it’s beets, roses, or petunias.
Embrace imperfections: Kids’ gardens may not always resemble picture-perfect landscapes, and that’s perfectly fine! Crooked rows and weeds as pets add character and charm. Transplanting and rearranging plants can be part of their gardening play as long as they understand the importance of giving roots time to grow.
Encourage exploration: Leave space in the garden for digging and creating holes. It’s amazing how a simple excavation can lead to fascinating discoveries like worms and even frogs when water is added. Foster a sense of wonder by highlighting the fascinating world of insects, emphasizing the role of beneficial bugs while acknowledging the intrigue of destructive ones.
Share the load: While involving children in garden maintenance is important, don’t expect them to handle all the watering and pest control tasks. Do the behind-the-scenes maintenance yourself, such as edging and weeding, while keeping their garden space tidy. This way, they can focus on the fun and engaging aspects of gardening.
Tailor the experience to their age: Recognize how children’s interests and capabilities evolve over time. For preschoolers, focus on sensory experiences and storytelling. Kindergartners enjoy imaginative play and building structures. Early elementary schoolers can delve into reading and math skills, while late elementary schoolers can participate in contests or join community gardening groups.

Start Gardening with Your Children: Garden Activities by Age

When you start gardening with your children, it is a rewarding activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether you’re a young child or a seasoned adult, there are numerous gardening activities that can be tailored to your age group. When you start gardening with children at a young age not only introduces them to the wonders of nature but also teaches them valuable life skills. Here are some age-appropriate gardening activities for different age groups to start gardening with your children today:

3-6 year olds

Sensory Garden Exploration: Create a sensory garden where children can explore different textures, smells, and colors. Plant various flowers, herbs, and vegetables that they can touch, smell, and observe closely. Please encourage them to describe the sensations and engage their senses.
Planting Seeds: Let the little ones choose their favorite flower or vegetable seeds to plant. Please provide them with small pots or cups, potting soil, and the seeds. Guide them in planting the seeds at the appropriate depth and teach them how to care for their plants as they grow.
Garden Crafts: Engage children’s creativity by incorporating garden-themed crafts. They can decorate plant markers using popsicle sticks and colorful markers or create flower collages using petals and leaves they find in the garden.
Bug Hunt: Encourage children to explore the garden for bugs and insects. Provide them with magnifying glasses to observe them up close. Teach them about the importance of beneficial insects and how they contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem.
Watering and Tending: Involve children in the maintenance of the garden by assigning them the responsibility of watering the plants with a small watering can. Teach them how to gently water the plants, making sure not to overwater or underwater.
Harvesting and Tasting: When the time comes, involve children in harvesting ripe fruits, vegetables, or herbs. Let them experience the joy of picking their own produce and encourage them to taste the fruits of their labor.

7-9-year-olds

Plant Selection: Let the kids take the lead in choosing what to plant. Encourage them to select various plants, including flowers, vegetables, and herbs. This will help foster their curiosity and engage their interest by giving them some control over what is being planted in the garden. Encourage them to pick vegetables they like to eat, so they will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labors.
Seed Starting: Teach children the process of starting plants from seeds. Provide them with seed trays, soil, and various seeds to plant. Guide them through the steps of sowing, watering, and caring for the seedlings. This activity will instill a sense of responsibility and patience as they witness the growth of their plants.
Garden Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt in the garden to make the learning experience more interactive. Create a list of items for the children to find, such as specific types of leaves, insects, or flowers. This activity promotes observation skills and encourages children to explore their surroundings.
Garden Journal: Provide each child with a gardening journal to record their observations and experiences in the garden. They can write about the growth of their plants, draw pictures of their favorite flowers, or document any interesting bugs or wildlife they run into. This activity helps develop their writing skills and encourages reflection.
Garden Harvest: Involve children in the harvesting process when fruits and vegetables are ready. Show them how to pick and collect the produce carefully. If you do not use pesticides or liquid fertilizers, let your kids grab a snack right out of the garden. I swear our kids get most of their yearly vegetable intake during harvesting.

10-13 year olds

Design a Garden: Encourage your young gardeners to unleash their creativity by designing their own garden layouts on paper. They can choose the plants they want to grow, consider their heights and colors, and plan the overall arrangement. This activity helps them understand the importance of space planning and aesthetic design.
Start a Seed Library: Teach your kids about seed saving and preservation. Let them collect seeds from their favorite plants, label and store them properly, and create a seed library. They can exchange seeds with friends or even start a community seed-sharing initiative.
Experiment with Companion Planting: Introduce the concept of companion planting to your young gardeners. Help them research and identify plant combinations that benefit each other, such as marigolds with tomatoes or basil with peppers. Let them create their own companion planting beds and observe the results.
Build a Raised Bed: Engage your kids in a hands-on construction project by building a raised bed together. They can measure and cut the lumber, assemble the bed, and fill it with soil. This activity teaches them basic carpentry skills and provides a dedicated space for their gardening endeavors.

14-18 year olds

Planting a Vegetable Garden: Teach teenagers about sustainable living and healthy eating by having them plant vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and herbs. They can learn about soil preparation, planting, watering, and caring for the plants as they grow.
Creating a Flower Garden: Allow teenagers to express their creativity by designing and planting a flower garden. They can choose a variety of colorful flowers, learn about different plant types, and understand the importance of pollinators.
Herb Garden: Introduce them to the world of herbs and their uses. They can plant and care for herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme, and learn about their culinary and medicinal applications.
Composting: Teach teenagers about recycling and soil enrichment by setting up a composting system. They can learn how to compost kitchen scraps and yard waste, reducing waste and creating nutrient-rich soil.
Container Gardening: If space is limited, container gardening is a great option. Teenagers can plant flowers, herbs, or even small vegetables in containers on a balcony, patio, or windowsill.
Butterfly or Pollinator Garden: Help them understand the importance of pollinators by creating a garden filled with plants that attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
Garden Crafts: Combine gardening with creativity by having teenagers create garden-related crafts like painted plant markers, decorative stepping stones, or DIY bird feeders.
Plant Propagation: Teach teenagers about plant reproduction by demonstrating how to propagate plants from cuttings or seeds. They can learn about rooting hormone, soil conditions, and caring for young plants.
Nature Journaling: Encourage teenagers to keep a garden journal where they record observations, sketches, and notes about the plants and wildlife they encounter.
Garden Photography: If they’re interested in photography, guide them to capture the beauty of the garden through their lens. This can help them develop photography skills while appreciating the natural world.
Rainwater Harvesting: Teach them about water conservation by setting up a rainwater harvesting system. They can learn how to collect and use rainwater to water the garden.
Seasonal Garden Clean-up: Involve teenagers in seasonal tasks like weeding, pruning, and mulching. This teaches them about garden maintenance and the importance of regular care.
Garden Workshops: Organize workshops where teenagers can learn about specific gardening topics, such as composting techniques, plant care, or the science of soil.
Community Garden Involvement: If there’s a community garden nearby, encourage teenagers to volunteer and interact with other gardeners. This provides them with a sense of community and teamwork.
Environmental Education: Connect gardening with broader environmental topics like climate change, biodiversity, and conservation. This can help teenagers understand the larger context of their gardening efforts.

Best Vegetables to Plant with Children

Carrots: Carrots are a fantastic choice because they come in a variety of colors and are relatively easy to grow. Kids love pulling them out of the ground to reveal the colorful roots. They can be grown in containers or garden beds, and their sweet taste is sure to delight young gardeners.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of flavor are perfect for small hands. Cherry tomatoes grow quickly and produce abundant fruit, providing kids with a steady reward for their efforts. They can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, making them suitable for limited spaces as well.
Radishes: Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, offering quick results that keep kids engaged. They come in various colors and shapes, and their peppery taste can be intriguing for young taste buds.
Snap Peas: Growing snap peas allows kids to experience the joy of picking and eating straight from the garden. These plants are great climbers, which can add an element of fun as children watch them twine around supports.
Lettuce: Lettuce is an excellent choice for teaching kids about different leaf shapes and colors. They can be grown in containers or garden beds, and the quick growth allows for a continuous harvest.
Zucchini: While zucchini plants require a bit more space, they are worth it due to their rapid growth and impressive size. Kids will be amazed by how quickly these plants produce large, edible fruits.
Potatoes: Planting potatoes can be like a treasure hunt for kids. They can be grown in the ground, raised beds, or even large containers. Digging them up at harvest time is an exciting activity that reveals the hidden treasures beneath the soil.
Pumpkins: For a larger-scale gardening adventure, pumpkins can be incredibly rewarding. Watching them grow from small vines into big pumpkins can be captivating for kids.
Beans: Beans come in various types, including bush and pole varieties. Planting pole beans can be particularly interesting as they climb up supports, creating a green wall that kids will love to watch.
Cucumbers: With their rapid growth and prolific fruiting, cucumbers are a great choice for introducing kids to gardening. They can be grown vertically to save space and make the harvest more accessible for little hands.

Start gardening with your children based on their individual needs. When selecting vegetables to grow with kids, consider factors such as the plant’s growth rate, size, and ease of care. It’s also a good idea to involve the kids in the decision-making process, allowing them to choose vegetables that pique their curiosity. Remember, the primary goal is to create an enjoyable and educational experience that sparks a lifelong love for gardening and a connection to the natural world.