Gardening with Kids: Cultivating Responsible Veggie-Eating Nature Lovers
by Janet Buck Johnson
With kids glued to screens more than ever, getting them outside can feel like a challenge. Earth Day is the perfect excuse to swap tablets for trowels and introduce them to the magic of gardening. Beyond being a fun activity, working with plants teaches patience, responsibility, and an appreciation for the environment—all while letting them play in the dirt. “Being outside, whether digging in the soil or just exploring, teaches our kids so many important lessons that may not be possible through traditional learning,” said Hayley Bush, marketing manager at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park. Christy Little, a master gardener and owner of A Little Farm and Nursery, also believes reconnecting kids with nature is important. “We’ve lost a lot of that with kids—getting outside and doing things with their hands,” she explains. “This lets them get messy, feel the earth between their fingers, and see life happen right in front of them.” MORE THAN JUST PLANTS Whether tending to a backyard garden or a few potted herbs, kids quickly learn that plants need attention— regular watering, weeding, and care—to thrive. This sense of responsibility can carry over into other areas of life. Patience is another big lesson. A tomato does not ripen overnight, and flowers do not bloom on command. Watching tiny sprouts push through the soil helps children understand that good things can take time. Gardening also nurtures environmental stewardship. Bush emphasizes the deep connection between people and plants. “No matter what your gardening project is, whether it’s planting seeds or cutting flowers, children are learning about the resources the earth provides when we partner with it, and how we need plants and they need us,” she explained. Working with plants also encourages curiosity about larger environmental issues. By developing an interest in nature, kids will be more motivated to explore how plants contribute to the economy, climate change, habitats, weather, and other important issues.
GETTING KIDS EXCITED TO GROW Introducing children to gardening does not have to be complicated. Bush suggests starting with projects that hold their attention. For toddlers, something simple like painting a pot and planting a petunia can spark excitement. For children ages 5 to 12, Bush recommends planting three to five native perennials, shrubs, or trees to create a mini sanctuary for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. “Even if space is limited, native plants in pots can still bring in pollinators,” she noted. “Once they see their first hummingbird, they will be hooked!” At Little’s nursery, one of the most popular activities is planting strawberries in special jars. She noted that the kids are often eager for the strawberries to grow and ripen. Little recalls a young boy who initially showed no interest in plants—until she pointed out the caterpillars on a dill plant. “At first, he didn’t care, but after watching them turn into butterflies, he was [invested],” she said. “The next year, he came back to check on the dill plants again.” According to Bush, research has shown that children who take part in growing vegetables are more likely to eat them. For older kids, she suggests growing food they actually like to eat such as pumpkins, carrots, potatoes, green beans, and strawberries.
APRIL 2025 | 13
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