Kiddipedia
With all of the technology and structured indoor activities available to our children, it sometimes seems as though playing outside in the fresh air and amongst nature is an old-fashioned ideal.
However, nature play is not just a ‘nice to have.’
Aside from emerging research that shows the potential harms of too much screen time, there is also plenty of research highlighting the benefits of nature play.
The benefits of gardening with kids
Gardening is one nature activity that has many benefits for all ages, including young children.
It enhances fine motor skills; scooping dirt, planting seeds and pouring water develops skills that can translate to the classroom when it comes to writing and cutting with scissors.
Time spent in natural settings has also been linked to greater resilience, lower incidence of behavioural disorders, anxiety and depression; and improved relationships with peers.
The sensory input, mindfulness of focusing on a one activity and time spent together all contribute to the social and emotional benefits.
Involving kids in the garden also provides a learning opportunity on the importance of taking care of the environment. They can learn about pollution, pesticides, compost and recycling.
Setting up a veggie garden with the kids gives them a way to learn about the different vegetables, how they are grown and encourages healthy eating and exploration of new foods. And the look on their faces once their veggies are ready to pick is priceless.
What to include in your veggie garden
I have put together a guide of some of the best veggies to plant in your garden to give your little ones something to pick and eat fresh.
- Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as lettuces, kale and spinach are a great way to kick start your garden. They are very low maintenance and can flourish very quickly, keeping your children engaged.
Choose a few different lettuces to add some colour to the garden. If your children are not salad lovers, this may even change their minds!
- Carrots
Carrots are a quick growing vegetable so you will be able to see results fairly quickly after planting. Another benefit of having carrots in your garden is that the butterflies love the green tops of carrots so you will be sure to have a few fluttering around.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be difficult to grow but if you start with a small plant rather than seeds you are more likely to see results. The kids will love seeing the tomatoes turn from green to bright red. The main issue with growing tomatoes with kids around is stopping them from picking too early!
- Broccoli
It can be a challenge getting kids to eat their greens, growing your own increases your chances! Fresh, homegrown broccoli seems to have a much sweeter taste than the store-bought ones and it may just be the magical way of transforming your children into lovers of the ‘green trees.’ Buy a small plant rather than seeds to help speed up the growing time.
- Potatoes
Potatoes are great to grow in that you do not need to buy plants or seeds. Simply cut a potato or two in half and bury in the garden. Potatoes need a little more room to grow so make sure you account for this when planting. Once ready to harvest you can simply dig up the side of the plant and remove the potatoes, leaving the plant intact so that it can continue to provide more potatoes.
- Pumpkins
Pumpkins also need a lot of room to grow so ensure you choose an area with adequate space.
The pumpkins themselves are slow growing however the vines that appear look amazing and will keep the kids excited for what is to come.
Gardening with kids has many benefits and it is a great way to spend time together each day. Get your kids outside tending to their garden, removing weeds, watering the plants and harvesting when the time comes. But don’t stop there, let them help prepare their veggies when it comes time to cook them and be proud of their efforts… and hopefully they will eat them all too!
You may also like to read:
5 Top Sensory Experiences that can be Achieved within the Home
