When we think about gardening with our kids, images of happily digging in the soil and blissfully enjoying each other's company come to mind. The reality is that gardening with kids can be quite chaotic and stressful! As a mom of 5, I've learned a few tricks over the years that has transformed our experience from one where I often felt frustrated and deflated to one that actually feels satisfying and fun.
#1 - Don't Garden on an Empty Stomach
It goes without saying, but making sure everyone (including you) has had a snack, gone potty, and isn't close to nap time will make your experience much more likely to be successful.
#2 - Keep Your Standards Very Low
Seriously. We all want to strive for doing our very best, but when gardening with young kids, the best is walking away with a smile on our faces. They are just not going to be able to place that flower where you want or plant things to the right depth. Of course you should try to teach them those things, but be realistic that it probably will not happen until they're older unless they turn out to be a garden savant!
#3 - Correct the Problems Later
So, the plants are dug in up over their stem and crooked or cramped together in one tiny section of the pot while the rest is left open. Don't worry, you do not have to leave it exactly that way, but wait to fix it until they're not paying attention or not present. I wouldn't recommend redoing the entire project, but planting the plants at the proper depth and spacing them out a little aren't things kids will likely notice later. The main things is that it is "their" plant or garden and they will take pride in seeing it grow.
#3 - Don't Spend a Lot
If a little is good, a lot is better when it comes to kids! They'll plow through supplies quickly. They'll also reject other supplies that you wish they'd use or break others. Focusing on inexpensive or free items, clearance or thrift store bought, or scavenged from around your house will be best to use. You don't want to feel anxiety over whatever they decide to do. For starter plants I go for the big multi-packs of 6 or more from big box stores and buy what's on sale. I do often let them pick out at least one plant by themselves, though. For seeds, I use last year's seeds, inexpensive packages bought at the dollar store or packets of "seeds for kids" which are super fun. Look for these in your garden catalogs. You can also find them online. A good sources is available from American Meadows and can be found at:
#5 - Work in an Area with Easy Clean-Up
If planting pots, it's best to work out in the grass so the spillage doesn't need cleaned. If you need to work on a patio or a deck, throw down an old sheet or blanket first and that can then be taken out and shaken off to make clean-up a breeze.
#6 - Get The a Tiny Watering Can
My kids always loved watering their plants! An adult-sized can can be awkward for them to use and if it's overfull and heavy can even accidentally crush the plants if they lose their grip. A little watering can is just the right size to let them do it on their own and feel proud of their accomplishment. Plus, who doesn't love the image of a kid holding a tiny watering can! :)
Your kids will love creating a little garden of their own. A fun and relaxing experience will help teach them how great it is to get outside and get their hands dirty. Over the years they'll hopefully keep at it and one day be a real help to you. Until then, enjoy watching them play without stress!