I was on-line and came across a great article on gardening that caught my attention. I do have to say that until a few years ago, I was not a big gardener and didn’t have a green thumb. However, something changed as my daughter grew older. Gardening became an activity that we could do together, get our hands dirty, chit chat and spend time outdoors.
Each spring we talk about the plants we are going to get and what vegetables we should try and grow. It doesn’t always work out. Like the year I didn’t realize that potatoes grew underground! At the end of the summer that year, we were disappointed that we didn’t get one singe potato. That was until the next year when we dug up the soil! We found loads of old potatoes from the year before. Every summer we talk about this and laugh.
What I didn’t realize from all this was that gardening is a great activity for kids’ overall development. Holly LaRochelle talks about the benefits of gardening with your kids and the impact it has on their development. After reading this article, I lightly pat myself on the back, and went outside with my daughter to plant the potatoes!
Skills that kids develop when gardening
Grasping
Let your child reach for tools or grab handfuls of dirt to explore.
Balance
Moving around the garden, through these tight rows helps kids learn balance
Lifting and lowering objects
Gardening requires lots of lifting and lowering. Kids can master this by using a watering can, small hand tools, or even using a shovel to add things like compost into the garden.
Fine motor skills
Kids love to place seeds into the earth. Big seeds like peas, beans, and corn are easy for small hands to grasp and germinate quickly.
Pulling the hose around
Moving the hose to position the sprinkler is one job kids can help with and it will help them gain strength and agility.
❝ The physical and mental benefits of gardening will last you and your child a lifetime! ❞
Gardening also teaches kids . . .
Along with the physical skills kids get from gardening, there are lots of other great benefits:
Healthy-eating habits
A carrot gently coaxed from the earth just moments before eating is flavourful, and there is no comparison to its sister from the grocery store. After awaiting harvest day, most children are eager to try their own raised vegetables and fruits.
Organizational skills and STEM learning
Gardens usually have an element of precision through rows, measurements between plants or seeds. Organizing a new garden takes some skills in mathematics and measuring. Learning more about plant life cycles, weather patterns, and even insects can peak scientific curiosity and discovery.
Stress relief
Mycobacterium vaccae is the substance found in soil microbes, which is currently under study. The bacterium may stimulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier.
Your kids can reap the benefits of gardening of any size. Are you in a small space or apartment? Try a planter garden. If you have a backyard, carve out a small patch of earth. The physical and mental benefits of gardening will last you and your child a lifetime! Happy planting!
