How Do You Start Gardening With Kids??
We’re all about two things here: incorporating family and learning about new ways to garden and grow. So naturally it makes sense to combine those two things. With so many tablets and screens and distractions and pressures from work and school, it’s harder now than it ever was before to bring the family together. Gardening is a wonderful activity that can get you and your little ones outside and doing a shared activity together. If you’re thinking of gardening yourself, you might be wondering: is gardening with kids even possible? The answer is yes! But it may look different depending on the age of the child in question. As part of the series “I Don’t Know What I’m Doing,” we want to explore gardening with kids at three different ages: littles, kids, and teens. This time, we’ll go over littles.
This may be the most daunting age to start gardening with kids, but don’t despair! It can also be incredibly fun and rewarding. Also, your kids are young enough at this age that you can establish a foundation of being together, being outdoors, and growing your own food. I’m definitely not saying it’s easy — as the father of two littles under five myself, I’ve definitely had days where I’ve pulled my hair out trying to make this thing happen. But here are some tips I’ve learned and can pass on if like me you want to start gardening with your kids.
1. Create a Space for Them
This is one of the most important things. It can be so easy to get swept up in the idea of the task you want to complete, and feeling like your kids are getting in the way. Remember: the garden is important, but what’s more important is that you’re together! Make a space for your kids – this can be a physical space, sure, and that can be helpful. Boundary off a section of the garden where the littles can’t pull off leaves or pull up roots. Don’t let them leave the area until you call them over. It will take a few times for the kids to get the idea — make sure to reward them big time if they listen! Depending on your kid, you may also find it effective to make this a fun “work station” that’s at their level. Make a sectioned off mud pit where they can dig in the dirt and mimic the actions of planting. They’ll feel more like they’re playing than working!
More importantly, make a space for your kids in your heart. Enjoy this time with them, even when it can be challenging to teach them what you want to teach them. Remember that the old adage you heard from your grandparents is true — the time goes by so quickly and they will be grown before you realize.
2.Find Easy Tasks For them to Help
Whether you’re gardening with kids or trying to teach them to put the dishes in the sink, the same wisdom is true: lower your expectations. Kids just can’t do it right away. Heck, I’m a 35 year old man and I don’t know what I’m doing! (Hence the blog series name). Teaching them will take time, repetition, patience, and a willingness to start small. So, your kids aren’t going to be planting that oak tree themselves, but they can hold tools for you, fetch something for you, drop seeds in the ground, and assist in holding a hose. The more they do, the greater their confidence will be, and before too long, they will be planting that oak tree when they’re 8 or 9 or 10.
3.Garden Regularly For Shorter Bursts of Time
Anyone with littles can tell you, their attention spans are like goldfish. This will change over time, but if you have a particularly young child, prepare for short times out in the garden instead of one long productive session. You may not plant the whole row of vegetables, but you can definitely try and get at least one. You may not be able to harvest your entire yield of squash, but you can definitely get a basket’s worth. Again, it’s all about lowering your expectations. As your kids get older and more resilient, you’ll be able to spend more time out there. Another benefit to shorter session is you can make gardening an everyday regular rhythm for your family. They’ll be as used to digging in the dirt as they are snacks and nap time!
These are just a few small tips for gardening with kids, and the more you do it, you may discover more things that work for you and your family. It may be hard, but it’s worth doing, and can build real lasting memories in your children that they’ll cherish.