Growing Green Thumbs: Fun and Easy Ways to Get Kids Involved in Gardening
Kids and dirt go together like Vegemite and toast, so why not channel that energy into gardening? At Flourish and Bloom Gardening, we love seeing families dig in together, and getting kids involved in the garden is easier than you think. It’s not just about growing plants, it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and sneaking in a few life lessons along the way.
My nephew, Jack, was five when he planted his first sunflower. He checked it daily, convinced it grew overnight because he whispered to it. That excitement is what hooks kids. Start with fast-growing plants like sunflowers, radishes, or snow peas, they’re perfect for short attention spans. Let your kids pick their seeds, the brighter the packet, the better. Take them to a nursery and watch their eyes light up choosing marigolds or cherry tomatoes.
Make it hands-on. Kids don’t need perfection; they need fun and enjoyment. Give them a small patch or a pot to call their own. Plastic trowels and mini watering cans make them feel like pros. If they want to plant in wonky rows, let them. My friend’s daughter once buried a toy dinosaur with her carrots, claiming it was “guarding” them. The carrots grew fine, and she was thrilled.
Turn gardening into a game. Have a scavenger hunt for worms or ladybugs or challenge them to find the tallest weed. Paint rocks to label plants or make a fairy garden with sticks and shells. For older kids, try a pizza garden, grow basil, oregano, and tomatoes, then cook together. It’s a sneaky way to teach where food comes from. Last summer, I helped a family set up a herb spiral, and their kids still brag about their “pizza sauce plants.” Gardening teaches patience (waiting for seeds to sprout), responsibility (watering daily), and even science (why do plants need sun?). But don’t lecture, just let them discover it. When Jack’s sunflower finally bloomed, he was prouder than when he won a soccer trophy. Those moments stick.
Keep it easy and safe. Keep smaller children under supervision when near water or compost and use non-toxic plants and dull implements. Try vertical planters or a windowsill herb garden if you have limited room. Children enjoy munching directly off the strawberry plant, so hanging baskets of strawberries are a hit. There will be messes, of course. Soil spills, muddy shoes, and the occasional squished seedling are all commonplace. Later on, though, you’ll chuckle at those tales. At Flourish and Bloom, we think that gardening develops children who value the environment in addition to plants. Give them a spade, accept the mayhem, and see how their green thumbs grow.
For more information on our gardening services and how we can elevate your garden, contact us today and speak with a friendly member of the team!
