In our video you'll discover Theresa's secrets for getting children out into the garden.
The Benefits of Gardening with Kids: Engaging Young Minds in Nature
Gardening is more than just an enjoyable hobby; it’s a powerful educational tool, especially for children. In a world where screens dominate our daily lives, getting kids outdoors and into the garden can provide them with countless benefits, from learning about nature to developing healthy eating habits.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Teresa Loew, producer of the PBS show "Growing a Greener World," in a stunning edible garden called "Grow Your Lunch." Designed by Ben Iorn, this vibrant space is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and serves as an inspiring example of how gardens can be both functional and whimsical—perfect for engaging young minds.
Why Gardening is Important for Kids
Teresa shared her thoughts on what makes this garden special. She highlighted elements like espaliered apple trees, playful signage, charming archways, and meandering paths—all of which create a magical, interactive space for children to explore. She emphasized that these design features naturally draw kids into the garden, sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to interact with plants and soil.
One of the biggest benefits of gardening with kids is that it helps them form a deeper connection with nature. As Teresa pointed out, many parents introduce gardening to their children with the hope that if kids plant and grow their own food, they’ll be more willing to eat it. While that’s certainly true, the advantages extend far beyond just healthy eating habits.
Beyond Healthy Eating: How Gardening Shapes Young Minds
• Disconnecting from Screens – In today’s digital age, children spend a significant amount of time indoors using electronic devices. Gardening provides a refreshing break from video games, social media, and television, allowing kids to reconnect with the natural world.
• Building Responsibility – When children plant seeds, nurture seedlings, and care for growing plants, they learn valuable life skills like responsibility, patience, and commitment.
• Appreciating the Environment – Gardening fosters a love for nature and teaches kids about sustainability. They begin to understand ecosystems, pollination, and the importance of soil health in a hands-on way.
• Encouraging Physical Activity – Digging, planting, watering, and harvesting keep kids active, making gardening a fantastic way to promote exercise and outdoor play.
• Boosting Confidence and Curiosity – Watching a tiny seed transform into a plant gives children a sense of accomplishment. It also inspires curiosity as they learn about the science behind plant growth, weather patterns, and insect pollination.
What Are the Best Plants for Kids to Grow?
If you’re just starting out and want to introduce your children to gardening, choosing the right plants can make all the difference.
1. Grow Their Favorites
The easiest way to get kids excited about gardening is to plant what they already love to eat! Sweet, colorful fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are excellent choices. Kids will look forward to picking and eating them straight from the garden.
2. Introduce Something New
Along with familiar crops, consider growing unusual or exotic plants to spark their interest. Kids might enjoy purple carrots, striped tomatoes, or lemon cucumbers, simply because they look different from what they see in the grocery store.
3. Plant Root Vegetables – A "Treasure Hunt" in the Soil
Kids love surprises, and root vegetables provide exactly that! Carrots, beets, radishes, and potatoes are all fantastic choices because harvesting them feels like digging for buried treasure. The excitement of pulling a carrot from the soil or uncovering a potato adds an element of mystery and adventure to gardening.
School Gardens: A Community Effort for Future Generations
At our company, we are passionate about supporting school gardens and have donated thousands of organic seeds to educational programs. We believe that gardening should be an integral part of early childhood education, helping kids develop a lifelong appreciation for growing food and taking care of the environment.
By involving schools and communities in gardening, we can teach sustainability, responsibility, and teamwork—skills that will benefit children throughout their lives.
Conclusion: Grow Organic for Life!
Gardening is an amazing way to connect with nature, teach valuable life lessons, and promote healthy eating—especially for children. Whether you have a large backyard, a small patio, or just a few pots on a windowsill, you can create a space where kids can experience the joys of growing their own food.
By planting favorite fruits, unique vegetables, and engaging root crops, children will have fun while learning valuable skills. Plus, with the increasing popularity of school garden programs, more kids than ever are getting the opportunity to dig in the dirt and grow something amazing.
So, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just a gardening enthusiast, get kids involved in gardening today—and let them grow organic for life!
