School’s out and you need ideas for keeping kids busy during the summer. How about gardening with kids? There are so many ways for kids to learn and grow through gardening. Plus, dozens of scientific studies tell us that the being outside is one of the best and simplest solutions for many of the problems kids face today such as obesity, ADHD, stress, inactivity, and more.   

In a world where the average American child can recognize 1,000 corporate logos, but can’t identify 10 plants or animals native to their own region, we’re happy to help you find ways to encourage your kids to get outside and enjoy nature more. Here’s a few facts from science that back us up:

• Outdoor play lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Obesity rates plummet when children play outside
• ADHD is reduced by outdoor play, even a 20-minute outdoor walk prompts better concentration in children.
• Gardening helps improve social and leadership skills
• Kids who garden have better nutritional sense and are more likely to include fruits and vegetables in their diet

Ready to get outside? We’ve rounded up a list of supplies, ideas and ways to get your kids interested and involved with helping their gardens grow.

For supplies, keep it simple and make it fun. Start with just a few tools so they aren’t overwhelmed. A lot of tools come in small sizes and with colorful designs, just for kids. Some ideas include short-handled shovels and digging tools, small claw/cultivator tool, watering can, wooden craft sticks for labeling, plastic buckets, kids-size gloves, small pots, and bags of potting soil.

Don’t forget hats and sunscreen, and remember that a big part of the fun for kids is getting dirty, so be sure to dress them in clothing that can handle some serious dirt, wear and tear.

Projects can include small garden plots for vegetables and herbs, beds filled with colorful annual flowers, and pots in a variety of sizes for flowers or vegetables, whatever kids might like best.

Be sure involve the kids in the process of picking out what they want to grow, and encourage them to try things new to them such as string beans or sugar snap peas. If they take part in helping it grow, they are more likely to eat it later on their plates, right?

After the initial planting, kids can indulge their curiosity as they develop patience and responsibility by checking on their plants daily, weeding, watering and caring for plants, and later helping to harvest.

If you’re a teacher, parent, childcare provider, homeschooler or anyone who wants to learn more about the benefits of gardening and getting children out in nature, check out the Children & Nature Network, a website and community filled with useful information and fun graphic downloads you can use to educate and inspire kids about gardening and the great outdoors. Other useful websites are Kids Gardening.org and Discover the Forest.org.  

For flowers, veggies, herbs, gardening supplies and a great “field trip” for your family, we invite you to bring the kids and visit Luis’ Nursery at 139 S Mariposa Ave in Visalia, CA. We’re happy to answer questions, help you shop and show kids how great gardening can be.