Last week we shared with you the many benefits of gardening for preschoolers. This week we plan on sharing with you some tips and some of the fun activities you can do with your preschoolers while in the garden.

Let them Plan!

Ask the children what foods they want to plant. Let them help you map out the garden. Ask them where they think would be a good place to put the sunflowers, beans or corn.

Let them Purchase!

If possible, let them go with you to buy seeds for the garden. While at the store buy kid sized rakes, gloves and shovels. This will get them excited to be involved.

Let them Plant!

When it comes time to dig into the garden let them help. Let them use their new child sized equipment to dig holes, and plant seeds.

Let them Have Fun!

Not all children will want to dig or get dirty. If you have a child who doesn’t think it is fun, ask them what they’d rather do. Would they rather hand you the seeds? Water the plants? Or pick the weeds? If they do like to get dirty let them have at it! Let them have fun and be as involved as they want to be.

Let them get creative!

I love these DIY Garden Markers. These would be great for those kids who don’t like to get dirty, or to make on a rainy day when you can’t get out and be IN the garden.

Let them sing!

Check out this website for some fun gardening songs to sing while in the garden with your preschooler!

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Gardening with kids can be fun, educational and beneficial to you and your family.