How kids can help out in the garden

If you’ve got little ones it’s great to take them out into the garden with you, but make sure you set some ground rules.

Garden dangers for kids:

• Sharp garden tools. Buy kids their own safe garden gear.
• ANY chemicals or pesticides and that includes soil that contains non-organic fertilizers.
• Small items with super little kids – like rocks, seeds, and so fourth that might pose a choking hazard.
• Garden ponds and pools of water – say a bird bath that’s low to the ground.

The above are obviously things you need to make sure your kids stay clear of, but following are some garden tasks even super little kids can help with:

• Remove deadhead flowers and leaves that have grown too big.
• Water some plants – make sure you give your child a small garden can so they don’t over water.
• Place seeds in holes.
• Pick and help hose off fresh veggies.
• Collect seeds from flower heads like marigolds.
• Scoop soil into containers for container gardens.
• Help sprinkle stones and pebbles over soil as mulch (not for kids who still put items in their mouth).

Keep a younger kid entertained while you garden:

• Have them collect something – worms, rocks, a specific color leaf, or sticks.
• Hand over a shovel and pail and let them scoop up dirt then dump it out – much more fun with a small kid dump truck.
• Give them a kid-size magnifying glass. They’ll look at everything and leave you alone for a bit.
• See other ideas: Gear that will spark your child’s love of nature.

Do your kids like to help out in the garden?