Everyone is spending more and more time at home, so why not use this time to create a family garden. Gardening has so many benefits on our physical and mental wellbeing and can be a great way to spend time outdoors with your family. Here are some ways to create a kid-friendly garden.

CREATE THEIR OWN SPACE

Whether you’re working with an existing garden, or starting from scratch set aside some space just for the kids. Get their input on what the garden should look like. Let them select which plants and flowers to include. Plants like sunflowers, fast-maturing vegetables like radishes and lettuce, or fun food to harvest like strawberries and pumpkins are a great way to keep kids engaged. Let them choose some garden art, or fun benches or stools to encourage them to spend time in the garden.

TEACH THEM THE BASICS

Let them select their own basic tools, and show them how to use each one. Show them how the whole process works; start with digging holes, amending the soil, planting depth and distances and end with proper care and maintenance. Things like pulling weeds, and how long and how often to water are great things to know at any age.

MAKE IT A HABIT

Like anything, practice makes improvement. Set aside time each day to get it the garden and let them tend to their own space. The more consistent they are the better they will get.

LET THEM HARVEST

There is no better way to get your kids to eat their vegetables than to have them harvest what they helped grow. Have them help you prepare meals with ingredients from their garden. Use new recipes to keep things new and exciting, and encourage them to try food they normally wouldn’t eat.

Gardening teaches kids where their food comes from, not to mention all the benefits that come from being outdoors and playing in the dirt. For more information on growing your own vegetables check out our blog Vegetable Gardening 101.

Create a new family activity and spend some time in the garden. For more information on gardening, visit any English Gardens location and talk to an expert.