You may not think it, but your garden is a pretty inspiring place for kids. Yes, it may be tricky to get them away from their devices or motivate them to go outside, but once they’re out there, they will soon reap the rewards. Gardening boasts a whole range of benefits and can teach your child a lot of important life lessons at an early age.
Research shows that gardening can help children of all ages lead more fulfilled, happier, and healthier lives. It's an inexpensive way to gain valuable skills and a better understanding of how nature and the world around us work. So let’s get into it, shall we? Here are Fothergill’s top five benefits of gardening for children:
Gardening With Children Teaches Them Patience
While actively gardening is fun, you don’t necessarily get to enjoy the results immediately. Just think about growing from flower seeds – it can take weeks for the seeds to germinate and grow before their beautiful blossoms appear.But gardening isn’t about instant gratification; it’s more about the long-term enjoyment of creating the conditions for plants to grow and then flower or produce a tasty harvest. It’s good to teach kids that famous phrase: “Good things come to those who wait”.
Gardening Encourages Kids to Learn About Nature
It’s good to teach young children about the importance of nature, life cycles, and ecosystems. We can also take the opportunity to explain how everything is linked and how we can all take steps to help nurture and care for the natural environment around us. Once out in the garden, they’ll get a chance to understand the value of the outside world.
They can learn about pollinator-friendly plants and seeds and how important insects can be, not only for flower plants but for the natural world in general. If they start to understand and appreciate their surroundings from a young age, they will be more likely to care for them as they grow.
Gardening Gets Them Active
Kids love dirt and the space in which to be free and express themselves! So, it shouldn’t be too hard to get them in the soil, away from the distractions of the indoors. Gardening is also a great way for families to spend time together, participate in hobbies, and exercise together. It can be a great way to burn off some energy, especially when lots of bending, raking, digging, and planting are involved.Gardening is Good For Their Health
Exercise isn’t the only way in which gardening is great for kids’ health. Picking their fruit and vegetables is the best encouragement for kids to explore and enjoy a whole world of new flavours packed with valuable vitamins and nutrients.Getting some regular sunshine (with sun protection, of course) will do wonders for their Vitamin D levels! Studies have shown it will also help with their mental health, particularly having a positive effect on ADHD, depression, and anxiety.
Gardening Gives Them Some Responsibility
Gardening doesn’t stop once the seeds have been sown. A garden, its ecosystems, and its plants need to be nurtured to ensure they’ve got the best chance possible of growing. It’s important for the little ones to complete general maintenance tasks, like regular watering and weeding. This ongoing attention will help give your kids a real sense of purpose and achievement when plants flourish, flowers bloom, and crops ripen.Shop Gardening Essentials At Fothergill’s
Now that you’ve got a better idea of why we’re so insistent that you try gardening with children, it’s time to start your growing journey together!Here at Fothergill’s, we encourage families to get in the garden and make lasting memories. Enjoy having that specific flower that will always remind you of your youngest or that distinct tomato flavour that takes you right back to the family dinner table for the rest of your life!
We’re a trusted supplier of all things gardening, so make the most of our 100% satisfaction guarantee and choose from our range of flower bulbs, vegetable seeds, and more at Fothergill’s.
