Spring Gardening with Children

by jade collins

Have you been outside, enjoying this glorious Australian Spring weather?

Spring has sprung and the garden is absolutely buzzing with activity. My garden is a glorious display of Mother Nature’s finest work. As I watch the dormant bulbs renew with life, the once barren trees fresh with greenery and the beautiful native bees buzzing around the clover; I am led to ponder what new uses our garden holds in this precious season.

As a family, we love getting outside together. Fresh air and sunshine are so good for our wellbeing and taking time to sit outside is wonderful self-care (I see you, busy Mum!) Sprinkling the hose across the lawn as the children giggle and cheer is what happy childhood memories are made of.

You see, Spring is the perfect time to get outside with children

Mild temperatures and fresh soil which is eager to be planted in, awaits you! Just imagine the beautiful, fresh produce you will be enjoying in just a few months time. I have assembled this guide to Spring gardening, which I hope will inspire you to get outside this weekend and get your hands dirty. Children love mud – that’s no secret! So gardening is the ideal activity for busy little hands and not to mention the incredible benefits of watching the origins of our dinner plate!

 
Gardens are the gift that keeps on giving

Our gardens thrive on the cycle of life. What you eat, becomes compost, worm food and then nourishes the new plants to grow. When we harvest our own fruits and vegetables, we are giving back to the earth what we have taken out – what a marvellous contribution! You may also find that you have an over abundance of glorious, fresh fruit and vegetable offerings, so why not take the opportunity to get to know the neighbours? Poke your head over the fence and share a bag of tomato’s – spread the love! Spring Fruit & Vegetable growing guide Sew these vegies now and reap the harvest in Summer:

Artichoke
Beetroot
Capsicum
Fennel
Passionfruit
Squash
Tomato
Watermelon
 
 
Cooking with Kids creates healthy relationships with food

When we get the kids involved in preparing meals, they become exposed to so many new elements. The smell, feel, taste and look of ingredients is an incredible tool in our toolbox. When children have grown their own produce, they are so eager and excited to eat it! And vegetable gardens are an invitation to eat a rainbow.
 
So, this weekend, find yourself a nice little spot in the garden, not too sunny and not too shady and get to work! You don’t need anything fancy, just a spade and some dirt will get you started.
 
Gardening is a wonderful family experience and a life-long skill for you to share with your children.
 
What will you plant in your garden this week?
Back to Tips