Gardening with children is a wonderful way to spark their curiosity about nature while teaching them patience and responsibility. The first step is to help your child get familiar with seeds, soil, and simple gardening tools – tailoring the experience to their age and the space you have available.
Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still introduce your child to growing plants by sprouting seeds in a plastic tub or cultivating herbs on a sunny windowsill. If you do have outdoor space, setting aside a small plot just for them can make the experience even more exciting. Let them choose what they’d like to grow – gently guiding them toward plants that germinate and grow quickly to keep their interest alive.
A great way to get started is by ordering a free seed catalogue online. The colourful pictures not only inspire choices but can later be used to create a collage – another fun and creative activity for children. To make gardening even more enjoyable, consider getting a set of child-sized gardening tools. Having their own tools will make them feel like real little gardeners and encourage hands-on learning.
Growing Sunflowers with Children
1. Choose a Sunflower Variety
- Dwarf sunflowers – Great for pots and small spaces.
- Giant sunflowers – Grow tall and make a big impact.
2. Planting Sunflowers
- Pick a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Loosen the soil and mix in compost.
- Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart.
- Water gently.
3. Caring for Sunflowers
- Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not soggy.
- Support tall varieties with stakes if needed.
4. Tracking Growth
- Measure weekly using a tape measure.
- Create a simple chart on paper or a poster to track height.
- Add drawings or photos for a fun visual record.
5. Harvesting Seeds
- Once flowers fade, collect mature seeds for snacking, bird food, or next year’s planting.
Growing Herbs with Children
1. Choose Easy-to-Grow Herbs
Start with low-maintenance herbs like basil or mint, which grow well indoors and can be used in everyday cooking.
2. Pick the Right Containers
Use small pots or containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
3. Provide Light & Water
Place the herbs in a sunny spot, like a windowsill. Show your child how to water gently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
Growing Cress with Children
Cress is perfect for beginner gardeners—it sprouts quickly and needs minimal care. All you need is a small container, damp cotton wool or paper towels, and cress seeds.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the base – Place a layer of damp cotton wool or paper towels in the container.
- Sow the seeds – Sprinkle cress seeds evenly over the surface.
- Keep moist – Spray with water daily to prevent drying out.
- Harvest and enjoy – Once grown, let your child snip the cress and add it to salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish.
Simple, fun, and ready to eat in just a few days! 😊🌱
🌱 Are you looking for more inspiration? Check out our hand-picked book recommendations ‘Books About Plants And Growth For Young Children’, where you’ll find fantastic stories and guides to help children learn about plants and gardening!
