When it comes to healthy hands-on learning, the garden can be a perfect classroom! Here are some ways to encourage your sprouts to join in the fun.
EAT UP
Growing an edible garden isn’t just fun; it teaches kids where food comes from and fosters healthy eating habits! Try seasonal, easy-to-grow produce like tomatoes, strawberries, peas, and herbs that can be enjoyed right off the plant.
SMALL GREEN SPACES FOR SMALL GREEN THUMBS
Set up a kid-sized space that gives your budding gardeners an accessible, independent place to work. A low table, plant cuttings, spare pots, and a variety of natural materials and figurines let children explore and create, using both practical skills and their imaginations.
EGG-CITING ACTIVITIES
Did you know a carton of eggs can be one of your child’s best gardening tools? An empty cardboard egg carton makes a great windowsill garden for small seeds. They can even be decorated; a friendly caterpillar or a chugging choo-choo train is a fun decoration and great home for seedlings. Use empty eggshells as seed starters, crush them in the soil to enrich it with vitamins and nutrients, and save the cooled water from boiled eggs to water your plants.
GROWING IN GLASS
Low on yard space? An empty mason jar makes a perfect herb terrarium for a sunny kitchen! You can buy new jars, reuse your own, or check thrift stores for unique pieces. Most herbs will grow from seed in a mason jar filled with some soil; just follow the directions on the seed packet and keep moist and in full sunlight. Kids can try easy-to-grow choices like basil, chives, rosemary or thyme. Trim and use as your herbs grow or transplant to a bigger container.
Family members of all ages, sizes, and interests can benefit from gardening together, so grab some shovels and dig in!