Gardening is not just a hobby, it's an experience that can truly nurture the soul and bring you closer to nature. Whether you're a parent or guardian, gardening is a wonderful way to inspire the younger ones to learn about sustainability, grow their own food, and feel like true "plant parents".

The best part is that gardening isn't just good for the environment, it's also good for the body and mind. Let’s explore how!

It Encourages Them to Eat Healthier

Gardening can be an excellent way to encourage children to eat healthier foods. When kids are involved in planting, cultivating, and harvesting fruits and vegetables, they are more likely to try and enjoy them!

Seeing the growth process from seed to plate can create a sense of pride and excitement in children, and they may become more curious and adventurous about trying new foods. Studies have shown that children who are involved in gardening are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables, and are more knowledgeable about nutrition. Additionally, they are less likely to have unhealthy eating habits. 

Gardening can also help children learn about the food system, where food comes from, and how to prepare healthy meals. By encouraging kids to eat healthier, gardening sets them on a path towards a lifetime of good nutrition and wellness.

Gardening is a Form of Exercise 

Gardening is not only a way for children to explore the natural world, but it's also a form of exercise that can improve their physical wellbeing. 

Gardening can help children develop their gross and fine motor skills as they dig, plant, and weed, and it can also help them build strength and endurance as they carry soil, water plants, and do other garden tasks. Plus, gardening is a low-impact activity that can help children develop their balance, coordination, and flexibility. 

By spending time in the garden, children can get their bodies moving and develop healthy habits that will serve them well throughout their lives. We also recommend taking the little ones on a trip to the public gardens and farms - it would be an enriching experience for their mind and body as they walk through the estates and get to know more about plants and gardening!

Working With Their Hands Encourages Sensory Development 

Gardening is an excellent way to encourage sensory development in children. Gardening engages all five senses and allows children to experience the world around them in a unique way. Through touching, smelling, seeing, and tasting the plants and soil, children can explore and understand the natural world. 

Gardening can also help children with sensory processing disorders by providing a safe and engaging environment where they can practice sensory integration. The act of planting seeds and watching them grow helps children develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their accomplishments, which can improve their self-esteem and confidence. 

By encouraging children to get their hands dirty and explore the natural world, gardening can help them develop their sense of curiosity, wonder, and creativity.

Allows You to Spend Quality Time Together

Gardening is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your children or siblings. It provides an opportunity to work together towards a common goal, bond over shared experiences, and create cherished memories. 

Whether it's planting seeds, weeding, or harvesting fruits and vegetables, gardening can be a fun and rewarding activity that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, it's a great way to disconnect from technology and spend time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. 

With gardening, you can teach your children about responsibility, patience, and the natural world, all while strengthening your family bond. 

It develops STEM & analytical abilities

Gardening is not just about getting your hands dirty and planting seeds, it also involves critical thinking, problem-solving, and observation skills that can help children develop their STEM and analytical abilities. 

For instance, they can learn about the different soil types and how it affects plant growth, how to properly space out plants, and how to identify and solve common garden problems like pest control or soil pH levels. These skills can also extend beyond the garden and into the classroom or other areas of their lives. 

By encouraging children to learn about gardening, we are providing them with a valuable opportunity to develop their scientific and analytical skills while also fostering a love for nature and the environment.

Go and Grow

Gardening is a fantastic activity for children that provides a wealth of benefits for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From encouraging healthy eating habits to promoting STEM and analytical abilities, gardening helps kids develop important life skills while fostering a love and appreciation for nature. 

If you're a parent looking to introduce your child to the world of gardening - from fresh kitchen herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables or beautiful flowers like this Sunflower planting kit, our collection of gardening kits from Boutique Garden can be a great place to start. Aside from their diverse range, these kits are space-friendly as they come with their own containers - perfect for urban farming in your own home.

With the right tools and guidance, your child can enjoy the many joys and benefits that gardening has to offer. So, go and grow with your little ones today!