Teaching your kids gardening isn’t an easy task. After all, if you want perfect rows and no surprises, children are sure to do the opposite of that. To take a metaphor from gardening, you are sowing some wonderful things for your child when you take them by the hand and lead them into your garden. You’re teaching them respect for the land. They’re getting outside in the fresh air and learning that there is fun to be had beyond the latest game on their tablet. Just as you would Prepare your child for Preschool you can teach them gardening and patience.
Gardening is a joy that everyone can share. When you are digging your hands into the earth, you’re connecting with a long tradition of working the ground to bring life forth. This connection allows you to experience life at its most simplistic. You are taking a front row seat to creation. Gardening feels like taking your place in the circle of life. Finding that place can give you a deep sense of joy and belonging in a world that sometimes feels isolating and disjointed. Now imagine, taking that joy, and sharing it with your children.
Teaching Your Kids Gardening
There are life lessons to be learned while teaching your kids gardening as well. Here are a few ways you can show children the value of gardening.
Show them what they’re working towards
There isn’t much excitement when you look at seeds in a packet, but you know what will spring forth after you put them in the ground. Make sure if you’re going to bring your children along to garden that they know what the plan is, and how their hard work is going to result in a beautiful flower garden, or vegetables for a hearty soup or healthy dinner option. Everyone needs a goal in order to put in the work, and children are no different.
Celebrate the wins
It isn’t easy to have patience, especially when you are young. When your child becomes frustrated with weeding and hoeing, show them how you are winning. When they see their tomatoes budding for the first time, they’ll know they’re doing well. Take those times out to celebrate those wins along with them. Let them see that each small victory is another step towards the ultimate win: a beautiful garden.
Hard work reaps a beautiful harvest
When you bring in that first basket of vegetables, when you place the budding blooms in a vase and set them on your table, the sense of accomplishment the kids are going to feel will be incredible. Part of the fun of gardening is in the lesson that hard work pays off. That is a life lesson that gardening can show better than anything you could say to them. Remind them of how they persevered through all of the heat, the bugs, the weird smells of soil, and made something so beautiful, and how proud you are. They will be proud too.
Related: First Steps For Gardening With Your Kids
Gardening is an incredible hobby, and you want to make sure that your children appreciate it too. Take the time to usher them into this world gently, and show them the importance of their work. The time you spend talking and planning while teaching your kids gardening will result in unforgettable memories for both of you.
Robin rue says
We started a garden this year and the kids loved helping. We are looking forward to doing it again.
Melissa Chapman says
I love gardening but never shared that pleasure that it gives with my kids. I love this idea and will show them the fun we can have gardenng.
Pam Wattenbarger says
I loved introducing my kids to gardening. I have a herb and veggie garden and have for years.
shell says
I haven’t done this with my kids yet. I really should- I have fond memories of gardening as a child.
Sara Welch says
I grew up learning how to garden and I loved it. It taught me the value of hard work and reaping benefits from that hard work.
Michelle Goth says
We don’t really live where we can garden. However, I have taught my son about succulents and keeping those cared for.
Maureen says
What a great way to teach skills such as how to survive off of the land too! I love watching kids learn how to garden and they can start at such a young age too.
Theresa says
I started my daughter off on container gardening doing strawberries and herbs and she did pretty good at keeping up with it. This year I will let her add in some peppers and maybe tomatoes. It’s a great way to teach them a life skill.
Audrey says
I totally agree that gardening can be very satisfying to kids and parents alike. I know whenever a child sees progress on something like growing a plant or something in the garden they feel very proud. I really enjoyed your post!
Claudia Krusch says
I love gardening, but my son is not really into it! Maybe this year, I will get him involved!
Rosey says
Kids do love to help. My son used to love gardening when we lived up north (though he didn’t like the weeding process). 😉
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
These are great tips! I am glad my kids love helping me in our garden. Kids really learn a lot by this.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I totally agree with this post. Teaching the young ones to love gardening will teach them responsibility and love of nature. I am sure they are excited to harvest the products of their labor.
Our Family World says
My grandfather taught me to love gardening. I remember my first vegetable patch. I was so happy to harvest cabbage and tomatoes! I did the same thing to my children. Although we don’t have a large backyard for a vegetable patch, we grow tomatoes and herbs in pots. They just love watering and caring for the plants.
Kiwi says
I want to learn to garden. Its awesome to teach kids and it will make them appreciate eating organic food early!
Angela Sanders says
I enjoy gardening and I hope to pass it on to my grandson who is 2 years old now.
Sofia says
Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea its really help me a lot keep posting such amazing ideas