Your family may be already dreaming up a spring or summertime bucket list, and a garden project is a perfect addition. Connecticut Children's pediatric experts have tips.
Gardening with your child promotes their health and well-being. A garden project has lots of rewards for your child and family, even beyond all the fresh fruits and vegetables that you’ll get to enjoy.
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How to plan, grow and enjoy a garden with kids this spring
It also gets little ones outside and connects them with nature. Research has found that there are tremendous benefits for kids and adults to spend time in nature. It pulls everyone away from their screens, sparks imagination and is shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
Gardening enhances child development. It’s an incredible opportunity for learning, allowing children to observe cause and effect directly and deepen their curiosity. Gardening builds skills for planning, problem-solving, and responsibility, which all support brain development.
The activity of knowing where our food comes from more closely also promotes healthy eating. If your child is a picky eater, gardening can help them feel excited about trying new foods. There is something remarkable about watching seeds that you planted grow into plants that you can eat. For something extra special, try planting unusual varieties that you do not normally see in your grocery store — like purple carrots or striped beets.
To get your garden project started, keep these tips in mind.
You do not need a big, flat backyard to start a garden project. If you have limited outdoor space or other less-than-ideal conditions, here are ideas to get you started.
Start small with an herb windowsill garden. Growing herbs is particularly fun for kids, because herbs grow very quickly from seeds and provide a perfect opportunity to do some taste testing.
Plant in a grow bag. Grow bags can be used anywhere, are easy to move, and are perfect for growing fruits and vegetables that do not have deep roots – for example, tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes and salad greens.
Build excitement for your garden project
with your kids.
Repurpose your window boxes for your vegetable garden. Similar to grow bags, window boxes are great for growing plants that do not have deep roots. If you have a window box that’s six inches deep, try an assortment for summer salads: leaf lettuces, peppers and radishes.
Connect with your local community gardening organization. Often, you may find a community garden right around the corner, which may be a great place to begin cultivating your green thumb.
Read a book about gardening together. There are so many wonderful books about gardening, which can help set the stage for the fun in store for you and your child. Check out your local library for inspiration.
Create your garden project plan together. Talk with your child about the plants you want to grow together, and bring your child with you to select the seeds or seedlings for planting.
Get dirty. Build a watering routine. Once your garden is planted, put your child in charge of watering. The responsibility cultivates their independence and confidence.
Start a garden journal. Encourage your child to draw or take pictures and write notes to document your family’s garden journey.
Plan a special meal with ingredients you’ve grown. Invite your child to design a meal that features ingredients from your garden. It can be as simple as an herb topping for a homemade pizza.
So map out your garden space, get some soil and seeds, and start planting. Happy growing!
Easy plants for kids to grow
Picking the right plants for your garden or space is always important. Here are five safe and easy plants for young gardeners.
Carrot
Snap pea
Sunflower
Potato
Tomato
Connecticut Children’s is dedicated to improving the physical and emotional health of children through family-centered care, research, education and advocacy. We embrace discovery, teamwork, integrity and excellence in all that we do.
FOR PATIENTS & FAMILIES
Contact Us
Locations
Patients & Families
Find a Doctor
Referrals
Research
Education and Training
Careers
Job Shadows & Internships
FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
Cancer & Blood Disorders
Cardiology / Cardiac Surgery
Ear, Nose & Throat
Gastroenterology
Orthopedics
Pediatric Surgery
Sports Medicine
FEATURED SPECIALTIES
Make a Gift
SUPPORT US
Visit Connecticut Children's Health Hub for More