Gardening with grandkids? This is an amazing idea!
Gardening with grandkids is a great activity you can do together because it will strengthen your bond with them and also teach them the skill of nurturing. Also, studies by the American Horticultural Society show us that creativity, curiosity, and connection with nature all increase when children participate in gardening activities.
And just imagine all the lasting memories you are going to create! Getting kids of all ages to garden is an amazing idea, and it is a great learning experience about success and failure. This is not meant to create lifelong garden relationships but to create lifelong bonds between the kids and their grandparents.
It is never too late to start gardening with grandkids, and we have some amazing tips to make this activity more kid-friendly.
1. “Gardening” can be whatever you like
When you start gardening with grandkids, you need to know that there is not a set of rules out there. You can adapt this however you want and make it convenient for you and your grandchildren.
You can introduce kids to horticulture in numerous ways, such as by starting a vegetable garden, planting a cactus in a pot, or even going on a trip to the local botanical garden.
For example, Sharon Lovejoy, 78, book writer and gardener, author of “Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots” and “Camp Granny,” suggests that all of this gardening with grandkids journey can start in the kitchen.
Lovejoy is a grandmother of five, and she promotes the concept of a “garbage garden.” This means that you don’t need to throw out the remains of the vegetables that you used for cooking; instead, you can use them to show your grandkids how they can grow a new plant from them.
If you want to grow a carrot top, you start by cutting the top of the carrot, and don’t forget to leave an inch of carrot below so the leaves will have space to grow. Then take a saucer, fill it with water, and place the carrot there without submerging the top. When it sprouts, it will get roots below, and the leaves will be above the water.
Yes, these experiences might end up in the garbage, but Lovejoy believes that they have the power to show kids that plants have that life force within them. As soon as they learn about this, be sure your grandkids will never hurt plants or cut down trees.
2. There is no room for expectations
Kids will be kids, and this is why, when gardening with grandkids, you need to ditch expectations and never have a rigid set of rules. Kids love to play, and they will integrate this into any activity they do. This means they will see this experience as a big game you play together.
It is not about picture-perfect rows and manicured flowerbeds. Instead, you should focus on having fun, exploring, and embracing the mess. They will pick flowers, dig in the dirt, or maybe hunt some worms. You don’t need to get angry, and you should let them do whatever makes them happy.
Try to make this gardening experience different from any other activities that are part of your grandchildren’s world. For example, they got to school, and there they had to get in line and sit at their desk. Make this experience the opposite of this.
3. Safety first!
When you are gardening with grandkids, there is one thing you should never ignore, and that is safety. Not all plants are created equal, and this is why you should be careful. Try to choose child-friendly plants that are non-toxic.
We know that plants with berries might be tempting, but some of them are toxic, such as elderberries. There are many delicious and safe alternatives, like cherry tomatoes or strawberries.
When you need to use pesticides and fertilizers, be mindful and try to use organic options whenever it is possible. If you have dangerous chemicals you use for gardening, hide them in a safe space far away from the curious little hands of your grandkids.
Also, try not to let ripe fruits lay around, as they are full of sugar and can attract unwanted guests such as bees and wasps. These insects might pose a real danger, and it is a good idea to always harvest the fruits before you go with the kids to the garden.
4. Captivating the senses
One of the things you should know before gardening with grandkids is that they are easily distracted. Keeping them engaged can be a real challenge, but there are some tricks that might help.
Try to go for plants that have vibrant colors, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, which, by the way, are edible. Tall sunflowers are another good choice, and fast-growing veggies such as kale and radishes are amazing because they offer quick gratification.
Encourage the kids to explore the various textures that exist in the plant world. The soft skin of a tomato and the roughness of a sunflower seed are both good exercises for them to learn more about the natural world. Let them touch the soil, the leaves of the plants, and the flowers.
Smells are also important, and you can help them understand more about this by presenting them with some fragrant plants, such as basil and mint.
Letting them explore the garden through their senses is an entertaining activity and will make gardening with grandkids feel like a breeze.
5. Cultivate connections
Gardening with grandkids isn’t just about seeds and plants. It is also about cultivating connections, and this shared experience is a great opportunity to create epic memories and build a bridge between generations.
While you work together in the garden, you can tell them stories about the family, and if the family has a passion for gardening, even better. Maybe you’ve learned how to plant and take care of tomatoes from your grandfather. This is a great time to tell them more about the family history.
You can also learn more about them and their lives. Show them that you are interested, and listen to what they have to say. Show them that “grandparents are out of touch” is just a misconception. Be their source of wisdom and the no. 1 person who is interested in them and their lives.
It is finally time to create memories that will bloom long after the last harvest. These gardening sessions are more than just planting flowers. They can be your way to create better connections with your grandchildren.
Just grab your gloves and gather your grandkids into the garden! Remember that gardening is not just about nurturing plants. It can also help nurture relationships, and you can watch your little ones blossom like the most beautiful flowers while they learn some things about the world we live in. Get ready to make some memories!
If you want to make things fun for the kids and let them play in the garden this amazing set might make them happy: Gardening Set, Tool Kit, for Kids, STEM, Includes Tote Bag, Spade, Watering Can, Rake, Fork, Trowel and Gloves
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