11 Tips to Get Kids Interested in Plant Care
Last Updated on December 19, 2023
Making your kids learn to take care of plants is easy and fun. My 4 years know how to care for the Alternanthera Party and Jade Pothos plant. Kids love interacting with leaves and mud around the plant.
In this article, we’ll share some super easy and fun tips to help your kids become plant caretaking pros. Not only will they learn about responsibility, but they’ll also develop a strong connection to nature.
Fun Tips to Spark Kids’ Interest in Plants
Here are 7 tips to get your kids interested in plant care:
1. Importance of Plants
Explain how they produce oxygen and help us breathe. Let them know that plants feel and breathe like us and one should take care of them.
2. Choose Kid-Friendly Plants:
Start with plants that are easy to care for and have visible growth. Flowers like marigolds or herbs like basil are great choices. They grow relatively fast and are visually appealing for kids.
3. Personalize Their Plant Space:
Let kids choose their small pots or containers for planting. Allow them to get creative by decorating the pots with paints or stickers. Personalization makes the gardening experience more engaging.
4. Create a Planting Routine:
Establish a simple routine for watering and checking on their plants. Consistency helps children understand the needs of the plants and fosters a sense of responsibility.
5. Talk to the Plants:
Encourage kids to talk to their plants. It might sound silly, but plants respond positively to carbon dioxide, and the act of talking to them can make the experience more interactive and enjoyable.
6. Explore Different Textures:
Introduce kids to a variety of plants with different textures. Let them feel the smooth leaves of some plants and the rough leaves of others. This sensory experience adds an extra layer of engagement.
7. Make a Plant Growth Chart:
Create a simple chart to track the growth of their plants. Kids can measure the height of the plant each week and record it on the chart. This visual representation of growth is both educational and exciting.
8. Celebrate Milestones:
Celebrate milestones in the plant’s growth, such as the first sprout, the appearance of the first flower, or the first harvest. Positive reinforcement and celebrations make the experience memorable.
9. Learn Through Play:
Turn plant care into a game. For instance, make a “Rainy Day” by misting the plants with water, or play “Plant Detective” to inspect the leaves for any signs of growth or changes.
10. Involve Them in Harvesting & Watering:
If growing edible plants involve kids in the harvesting or watering process. Let them pick the herbs or vegetables they’ve grown, and maybe even use them in a simple recipe. This connection between gardening and eating is rewarding.
11. Share the Joy:
Encourage kids to share their gardening experience with friends or family. They can show off their plants, exchange gardening tips, or even gift a small potted plant to someone special.
Parts Of A Plant | The Dr. Binocs Show | Learn Videos For Kids
How Do I Get My Kids Excited About Gardening?
The journey begins with sparking curiosity. Start by involving your kids in the process of choosing what to plant. Visit a local nursery together and let them explore the variety of seeds and seedlings available.
Allow them to pick a plant that catches their eye – whether it’s a vibrant flower, a delicious vegetable, or a fragrant herb. Giving them ownership over their gardening project from the start creates a sense of excitement and responsibility.
Creating a Garden Haven:
Transforming a small corner of your outdoor space into a kid-friendly garden haven is the next step. Provide child-sized tools that are easy to handle, and designate a special area where they can get their hands dirty.
Encourage creativity by allowing them to personalize their gardening space – whether it’s painting pots, adding colourful stones, or even creating whimsical signs for each plant.
Storytelling in the Garden:
Make the gardening experience come alive by weaving stories around the plants. Share tales of the magical journey from seed to sprout, and how each plant has its unique personality.
Assign fun names to the plants and let your kids create stories about their green companions. This narrative approach not only sparks imagination but also deepens their connection with the plants.
Hands-On Learning:
Gardening is a hands-on learning experience, and involving your kids in every stage enhances their understanding of the natural world. Teach them about the importance of sunlight, water, and soil in plant growth.
Experiment with different textures of leaves, and observe the subtle changes in the plants over time. Turning these lessons into a sensory adventure adds an extra layer of excitement to the learning process.
Safety Measures
As parents, we understand the importance of instilling responsibility and a love for nature in our children. Plant care is a fantastic way to achieve both goals, offering hands-on lessons in nurturing and growth.
However, just as we prioritize the safety of our little ones in every aspect of life, it’s crucial to do the same when introducing them to the world of gardening.
Choose Child-Friendly Plants:
When selecting plants for your kids to care for, opt for varieties that are safe and non-toxic.
Certainly! Here’s a table of kid-friendly plants that are generally safe and easy to care for:
| Plant Name | Description | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Marigold (Tagetes) | Vibrant flowers, easy to grow | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Sunflower (Helianthus) | Large, cheerful blooms | Full sun, moderate watering |
| Basil | Fragrant herb, great for cooking | Sun to partial shade, regular water |
| Spider Plant (Chlorophytum) | Air-purifying, adaptable | Indirect light, well-drained soil |
| Geranium | Colorful blooms, low maintenance | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Mint | Aromatic herb, fast-growing | Partial shade, ample water |
| Strawberries | Sweet fruit, great for snacks | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Nasturtium | Edible flowers, vibrant colors | Sun to partial shade, regular water |
| Zinnia | Bright, diverse flower varieties | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Pothos (Epipremnum) | Indoor plant, easy to care for | Indirect light, let soil dry between waterings |
Many common houseplants and outdoor flowers are child-friendly, but it’s essential to double-check the potential toxicity of each plant.
This precaution ensures that even curious little hands exploring the garden won’t encounter harmful substances.
Teach Proper Handwashing:
Getting hands dirty in the garden is part of the fun, but it’s equally important to emphasize the importance of handwashing.
Show your kids how to wash their hands thoroughly after handling soil, plants, or gardening tools.
This simple practice helps prevent the spread of dirt, germs, and any potential allergens.
Provide Age-Appropriate Tools:
Equip your kids with child-sized, age-appropriate gardening tools. Not only does this make the gardening experience more enjoyable, but it also reduces the risk of accidents.
Ensure that tools are lightweight, easy to handle, and have rounded edges to minimize the potential for injuries.
Supervise Watering Activities:
Watering plants is a crucial aspect of plant care, but it’s essential to supervise this activity, especially if you’re using hoses or watering cans.
Teach your kids the proper way to water plants without overdoing it, and always supervise them to prevent any potential tripping hazards or water-related mishaps.
Establish Safe Gardening Zones:
Designate specific areas for gardening activities, whether it’s a backyard garden plot or potted plants on a balcony.
Clearly define these zones to prevent accidental encounters with potentially harmful substances or objects.
This helps create a safe space where your kids can explore and learn without unnecessary risks.
Be Mindful of Allergies:
Pay attention to any potential allergies your children might have, especially when introducing new plants.
Some individuals may be allergic to specific types of pollen or plant sap. If your child has known allergies, consult with a healthcare professional and choose plants that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
Store Gardening Supplies Safely:
Securely store gardening supplies such as fertilizers, pesticides, and tools out of reach of young children.
These substances can be harmful if ingested or mishandled. Lock away any potentially hazardous materials in a dedicated storage space to prevent accidental exposure.
Encourage Respect for Nature:
Teach your kids to respect nature and its inhabitants, including insects and wildlife that may be present in the garden.
Emphasize the importance of observing rather than touching unfamiliar creatures and explain which ones may pose potential risks.
