Skip to main content

Main menu

  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
Home
  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
  • What You Need To Know About Curb Ramps
  • Combating Childhood Obesity
  • 9 Things You No Longer See on Playgrounds
  • Benefits of Nature Play
  • Train Themed Playground
  • The World is a Kiwanis Playground
  • 3 Interesting Benefits of Gardening With Your Children

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Playground
  3. Nature
  4. 3 Interesting Benefits of Gardening With Your Children

3 Interesting Benefits of Gardening With Your Children

Nature
December 21, 2021
Profile picture for user Noah Rue
By Noah Rue on
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print
75
3 Interesting Benefits of Gardening With Your Children

3 Interesting Benefits of Gardening With Your Children

Gardening, in general, has proven to have a variety of benefits for adults. It can reduce stress, provide a healthy workout, and can help to fight disease.  It has external benefits, as well. Whether you choose to create your own garden or get your kids involved, it can boost the overall value of your home by increasing the curb appeal if you ever decide to sell. 

For all of the benefits gardening can provide as an adult, gardening with your children can bring even more positivity – for both of you!

You and your children will both gain a lot from gardening together. So, it’s time to get them interested in getting their hands dirty. Not convinced? Let’s cover three interesting benefits of gardening with your children that will motivate you both to get outside and start planting. 

1. Healthy Eating

Kids can be picky eaters – especially when it comes to fruits and vegetables. But, research has shown that children are more likely to try new things when they help to grow them. You can use gardening as a great way to teach your children about proper nutrition and fueling their bodies. If they’re hesitant to try things, use the following tips to make it easier: 

  • Start small
  • Grow vegetables they’re already familiar with
  • Try an herb garden that they can add to foods they enjoy
  • Encourage taste tests

When you explain how each fruit or vegetable can benefit your child, they are likely to become more interested. Plus, what child wouldn’t want to enjoy the “fruits of their labor” when they’ve tended to something from start to finish? Not only is it a fantastic way to teach your kids about nutrition, but it’s a wonderful life lesson in working hard for something to reap the rewards. 

2. Bonding

Gardening is a great way to do something fun together with your children that also gives you time to bond and get closer. Unlike many other hobbies and outings, gardening is relatively quiet. You’ll be able to talk to each other while appreciating your natural surroundings. You’ll have to use proper communication, teamwork, and listening skills to plant and tend to your garden over the season. 

It’s also an opportunity to teach your child about basic outdoor safety while helping them feel cared for and secure. When you’re going to be outside for long periods, stress the importance of hydration. Provide them with water and keep them safe from the sun with:

  • A high-quality sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Protective clothing
  • Frequent breaks

You might be surprised by how much you can learn about your child (and learn from them) when you’re spending time together in the garden. It can be a hobby the two of you share for years and a time you both look forward to so you can reconnect and get closer. 

3. A Natural Science Lesson

Let’s face it, nature is amazing! 

If your child is already interested in science, or even if they tend to struggle with it in school, gardening is an easy way to get them excited about it and show them how science impacts our everyday lives. 

You can start your science “lesson” by practicing garden safety. Make sure there is no vermiculite in your soil and explain to your children how that compound could be harmful since it was mined in the same ore deposits as asbestos. 

Once you’ve talked about safety, you can “dig in” to how soil impacts the growth of your garden and what you can do to enrich it. The possible conversation topics are truly endless, from the science of nutrition to how fruits, vegetables, and plants grow. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions. Kids are naturally curious, and that’s a good thing! 

If you’re looking for a hobby to share with your children that will benefit you both and offer them life-long skills, look no further than gardening together. Keep these interesting benefits in mind as you get started, and it will end up being something you both look forward to each day.

Profile picture for user Noah Rue
Noah Rue
Published 1 year ago
Last updated 3 months ago
75
2
min read
A- A+
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

More About Nature

young girl playing in field of grass
Nov 03, 2020
Nature

Introducing Green Living To Your Kids

Noah Rue
Dec 21, 2016
Nature

The Nature of Play

Bobbi Geise
Mud Day at The Anarchy Zone
Jul 22, 2014
Nature

Say YES to Mud

Rusty-Keeler
The Nature of Play-Why immersing children in nature is so important
Jul 22, 2013
Nature

The Nature of Play-Why immersing children in nature is so important

Anne-Marie-Spencer
Climate Change and Play - Jay Beckwith
Sep 16, 2013
Nature

Climate Change and Play

Jay-Beckwith
Tips to Nurture a Lifetime Love of Fishing in Your Kids
Mar 30, 2021
Nature

4 Tips to Nurture a Lifetime Love of Fishing in Your Kids

John Woodruff
Sep 01, 2006
Nature

Discovering Maryland’s Parks and Playgrounds

Playground Magazine
Outdoor play - via Modernize
Sep 04, 2015
Nature

"Pop Up Play" Ideas

Kelsey Reaves
An unplugged, nature-centric vacation just may make you work better!
Sep 16, 2013
Nature

An unplugged, nature-centric vacation just may make you work better!

Anne-Marie-Spencer
Jul 01, 2006
Nature

The Importance of Outdoor Play

Playground Magazine
Hit the trails and play as a family!
Feb 03, 2014
Nature

Hit the trails and play as a family!

Anne-Marie-Spencer
Building an Environmentally-Friendly Playground
Aug 25, 2020
Nature

Building an Environmentally-Friendly Playground

Mark Palmer

Nature Professionals

Natural Playgrounds Company
Natural Playgrounds Company
Manufacturer
More
KOOP Adventure Play
KOOP Adventure Play
Organization
More
Pop-Up Adventure Play
Pop-Up Adventure Play
Organization
More
Bison Pumps
Bison Pumps
Manufacturer
More
Home

Follow Us

Play and playground news and information since 2001

  • instagram
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • pinterest
  • linkedin

Company

  • Playground Magazine
  • Contributors
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2001 - 2023 Playground Professionals, LLC

Footer menu

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms and conditions