Why kid-friendly vegetable gardens are so important
This post COVID-19 world has families spending more time at home. Maybe you are a busy parent working remotely. or perhaps your kids have made a habit of not leaving the house as often as they used to, spending more time playing video games and binge watching Stranger Things on Netflix, (you are not alone, we’ve all been there).
It may seem impossible to peel your kid away from playing Minecraft for five minutes just to eat some dinner together as a family. The last thing you need as a busy parent is to fight with your kids about spending more time outside. This is the unfortunate reality of the world we live in today, however, there are ways to get your children out in nature and away from screens!
Get your kids outside again!
Do you remember being a kid? All the endless time you spent outdoors making mud pies, and running barefoot through the grass? No? Maybe it’s just me, but I’m a millennial through and through. Let’s think about this: you’re a mom reading this because you’re trying your hardest to get your internet-addicted kids to be outside more. Or at least to help with the chores. Either way, stick around for a moment, we are here to help.
Gardening is quite simply one of the most effective and simple ways to be healthier. Growing your own vegetables is also a great way to save some money, and it’s an incredible way to get the little humans outside for a fun and interactive activity. Plus, in recent times of working from home, and health gurus on Instagram, all anyone seems to be discussing is healthier ways of living. But how do you actually do it in a way that actually fosters a desire for the little ones?
Well for starters, kids love to be involved in things that help to create a sense of independence and freedom. One way to do this successfully is by letting them pick what to grow. Make it a game: tell them to draw their favorite plant, or what they envision the garden would look like when it’s all done. Gardening with kids is a great resource for this!
Another way is by letting your children have a kid-friendly garden. In other words, allow a space of your garden (however big or small it may be) that is dedicated to them and them only. They can plant as much or as little as they want (with your help using tools of course), and they can feel responsible for that “without your help”. We all know once those littles go to sleep, you’ll be outside cleaning up the mess they made, but what they don’t know won’t hurt ‘em!
What to plant in your garden that your kids will love:
Sunflowers
Tomatoes
Carrots
Zucchini
Pumpkin
Cucumber
Peppers
Radishes
Herbs (any kind really)
Of course, there are more but these are the easiest plants to grow for little hands and big imaginations. If you are looking for instructions on how to grow these vegetables with your children at home, then check out our Kids Gardening Activity Book. It includes kid-friendly gardening activities and instructions on how to plant sunflowers, potatoes, radishes and so much more.
But what if you’re living in a small space, like an apartment or a home with little to no yard access? Not a problem! You can still grow a decent amount of vegetables and herbs with the Seeding Square from Fresh Earth Bistro. Little space, big reward!