During Covid lockdowns, much of the world found itself, unexpectedly, on something like “gardening leave”, and many people used this time to discover, or rediscover, the garden.
For families confined closer to home, a natural question arises: how do we get children out into the garden and engaged with it?
The first thing to remember is that children don’t need the same motivation as adults. For most, simply being outdoors, getting dirty, and breathing fresh air is reason enough.
Everything else is a bonus. Now if you do have any particuar or specific question that you would like answered instantly, you can go straight to Ask Peter here
Start With Growing Food
If you want to take things a step further, few things capture a child’s attention like growing food.
You don’t need much:
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A few packets of seed
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A seed tray
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A bright windowsill, greenhouse, or cold frame
At this time of year, germination often happens within days — quick rewards that help keep interest alive.
A simple rule applies here: grow what you’ll actually eat, and don’t grow too much. One packet of seed can contain hundreds of seeds. Sow sparingly, unless you plan on feeding the entire parish lettuce by mid-summer.
Raised Beds Make Life Easier
Whether growing edibles or flowers, raised beds make gardening far more manageable — especially with children.
They can be as simple or as sophisticated as you like:
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Timber kits that last a few seasons
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Stone, metal, or soil-raised beds
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Purpose-built planters at hip height
Products such as Veggie Pods or similar raised planters allow gardening without bending, make pest control easier, and are accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users. While they cost more upfront, they’re a long-term investment.
One major advantage for children?
Fewer heartbreaks caused by slugs undoing a week’s hard work overnight.
Choose Plants That Show Results Quickly
Patience is the most important word in any gardener’s vocabulary — and one of the hardest lessons to learn.
Some plants help with that more than others. Good choices for children include:
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Sunflowers
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Nasturtiums
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Peas
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Beans
They germinate quickly, grow visibly fast, and reward attention. Gardening gently teaches that not everything happens instantly — a valuable lesson in a world of screens and swipes.
Gardening as a Teacher
Children often understand nature better than we give them credit for. Many already know about:
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Wildflowers
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Bees and pollinators
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The importance of wildlife
Use the garden to build on that knowledge.
Simple ideas include:
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Creating a native wildflower patch
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Planting shrubs that produce berries for birds
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Building bug hotels or log piles
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Adding a small water source, even just a bird bath
Nature has sustained itself for millennia. All we have to do is help a little — then stand back and watch.
And who knows? Perhaps the next David Bellamy, Monty Don, or David Attenborough will discover their calling in the garden during this time.
A Final Thought
Gardening with children isn’t about perfection or productivity. It’s about curiosity, patience, and connection to food, to wildlife, and to the rhythm of the natural world.
The garden is one of the best classrooms we have.