Garden boss Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress has named five small and manageable garden projects perfect for kids to try out. Gardening is a great hobby to get children involved with, as it teaches them patience and responsibility, and encourages them to spend more time outdoors. Giving them bite-sized tasks they can tackle themselves can be rewarding, allowing them to see the results of their efforts over time and feel a real sense of achievement.
Growing plants that can be harvested quickly is a great way to start. Microgreens like kale and radishes are a great option, as they can be harvested just a few weeks after germination, so kids can see fast results. DIY garden crafts are another excellent way to get kids involved. Simple projects like painting plant pots, decorating garden markers or crafting bird feeders are a playful way to approach gardening.
To encourage kids to look after wildlife, make a bug hotel by stacking different materials like wood, leaves and cardboard to create a cosy little hideaway for insects.
Five gardening activities to carry out with your kids over the summer holidays
1. Grow fast-growing crops
By starting with crops that are quick to grow and easy to care for, kids will quickly be able to see the result of their efforts. Microgreens like kale, radishes, and cress are perfect for beginners and can be harvested in just a few weeks.
2. DIY garden projects
Spark your kids’ creativity with fun DIY garden projects. There are plenty of hands-on crafts they can make, such as decorating plant pots, making colourful garden markers, or designing their own plant labels.
3. Make bird feeders
Crafting bird feeders is a simple and rewarding project that also helps support local wildlife. There are plenty of household items that can be repurposed into bird feeders, such as plastic bottles, yoghurt pots and milk cartons.
4. Create a bug hotel
Teach kids about the importance of beneficial insects in the garden by building a bug hotel together. Stack up natural materials like twigs, bark, leaves, and cardboard to create a cosy hideaway for bugs.
5. Make a mini greenhouse
Upcycle clear plastic containers or bottles to create mini greenhouses for seedlings. Fill them with compost and seeds, then cover them to trap warmth and moisture. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way for kids to learn about how plants grow.