Gardening Benefits for Children

Involve children in all aspects of the gardening process.

Starting a garden with a child gives both of you a chance to learn and grow together. You can start the garden outdoors or inside depending on the season and the space you have available. Gardening benefits children whether it's a small family plot or a large school garden. Choose flowers and vegetables that germinate quickly for your first garden experiment so the child doesn't have to wait too long to see the fruits of her labor.

Learning Opportunities

Planning and planting a garden provides numerous learning opportunities. The basics of plant growth, from the germination of a seed to how plants use photosynthesis, demonstrate plant biology. The visual and hands-on nature makes the basics of these concepts simple for even younger children to grasp. Encourage the child to keep a garden journal, which helps develop writing and observation skills. Sowing seeds at the proper depth teaches basic measurements, while counting seeds or soil scoops can teach counting basics to young children.

Fresh Air

Working outdoors in the garden encourages children to get out in the sunshine and fresh air, which can result in a more physically active lifestyle. Gardening is an active pursuit, as opposed to the more sedentary activities like watching television or using the computer. Activities that don't include planting, such as raking or weeding, help the child develop their physical fitness level. Choose garden tools suited to the size of the child. A young child working with the right-sized tools is better able to develop his fine motor skills than one struggling to use adult-sized implements.

One-on-One Time

Gardening with your child gives you the chance to spend valuable time with her. She learns how to work side by side with you, her mentor. Gardening is also a successful means to help your child connect with other adults, such as grandparents or neighbors. When you take the time to plant and grow a garden with your child, you are helping establish memories than can last a lifetime. In a classroom setting, the children learn to work and cooperate with each other.

Healthy Eating Habits

There is something exciting about nurturing a young seedling until it grows into an impressive pumpkin or a large plant adorned with ruby red tomatoes. Many children are more likely to eat and enjoy vegetables they grew themselves. Allow your child to help plan the garden and select seedlings. Look through the seed catalogs together and encourage him to select vegetable or herb plants he hasn't tried before. Picking out and growing his own vegetables may give him the courage to try and enjoy vegetables he previously avoided.

References

• Colorado State University; Children in the Garden; Judy Sedbrook
• Penn State University; Gardening With Young Children: DIG IN!; Christine Belinda