Introducing children to gardening is a great experience of the environment around them and how to care for it. Learning about flowers, fruits and vegetables is a positive sensory experience where they can feel, smell and engage with the world around them. Gardening is a terrific way to get children involved in nature especially when in urban upbringings, where natural areas become less and less.
When planting a edible garden, you are surrounding your child with the importance of healthy eating in a fantastic hands on way. Supporting this view, studies show that when children are apart of growing their own fruit and vegetables they are more likely to snack on them and try different foods.
Gardening also promotes exercise in children. Engaging in gardening stimulates our brains and uses gross and fine motor skills. Children don’t think of it as exercise but rather find it rewarding when they accomplish digging, planting, weeding and watering the garden.
Gardening is an exceptional way to spend time with your child/ren. Allowing the time to bond and make memories while nurturing your garden will last with them for a lifetime!