Flower care: how to get kids involved

Choosing the right plants for kids
Selecting easy-to-grow flowers
When you're picking flowers for kids to grow, it's best to start with the easy ones. Go for flowers that don't need too much fuss. Sunflowers, marigolds, and zinnias are great choices. They sprout quickly and don't need a lot of special care. Plus, they bloom in bright, cheerful colours that kids love. These flowers are forgiving if a watering session is missed or if they get too much sun. They also have the added bonus of being quite hardy, so they can withstand a bit of rough handling.
Opting for non-toxic and safe plants
Safety first! Make sure the plants you pick are non-toxic and safe for little hands. Avoid anything that might irritate the skin or cause allergies. Nasturtiums and pansies are not only safe but edible too, adding a fun twist to gardening. This way, you can let the kids explore freely without worrying about them getting into trouble. They can touch, smell, and even taste some of their plants, which makes the whole experience more engaging.
Incorporating edible flowers for fun
Why not add a bit of flavour to your garden? Edible flowers like nasturtiums, violets, and calendula can make gardening even more exciting. Kids will love the idea of growing something they can actually eat. Toss a few petals into a salad or use them to decorate a cake. It's a delightful way to teach kids about the different uses of plants and get them interested in trying new foods. Plus, growing edible flowers can be a sneaky way to encourage them to eat more veggies!
Engaging kids in the planting process

Letting them choose seeds and colours
Get your kids involved right from the start by letting them pick out seeds and colours. Head to a garden centre or browse online to explore the variety of options available. Encourage them to choose flowers that catch their eye. This is not only fun but gives them a sense of ownership over the project. You might be surprised by their choices, and who knows, maybe they'll pick a flower you've never considered before.
Teaching them how to plant seeds
Once the seeds are chosen, it's time to plant. Show them the basics of planting, like how deep to dig the hole and how to gently place the seed inside. Explain why spacing is important and how to cover the seed with soil. Make sure they understand the importance of watering, but remind them not to overdo it. This is a great time to teach patience, as they'll have to wait to see their efforts grow.
Encouraging hands-on involvement
Allow your kids to get their hands dirty. Let them dig, plant, and water. Use this opportunity to teach them about the tools, like how to use a spade or a trowel. If you don't have child-sized tools, a spoon can work in a pinch. Encourage them to feel the texture of the soil and observe the different bugs and worms they might find. It's all part of the learning experience and helps them connect with nature in a tangible way. Consider turning this into a game, like who can plant the most seeds in a certain time. This makes the process fun and engaging.
Making flower care a fun routine
Creating a watering schedule
Getting kids to help with watering can be a brilliant way to teach them responsibility while keeping it fun. Start by creating a simple watering schedule. Let the kids decide which days they’ll water the plants. Maybe even mark it on a calendar with stickers. Explain why plants need water and how too much or too little can affect their growth. Encourage them to use a homemade flower food to keep the plants healthy, which can be a neat little science experiment in itself.
Introducing weeding as a game
Weeding doesn’t have to be a tedious task. Turn it into a game! Challenge the kids to see who can pull out the most weeds in a set time. Make sure they know the difference between weeds and flowers, though! You can even give them small rewards for their efforts. It’s a great way to keep the garden tidy while teaching them about different plant types.
Celebrating growth milestones
Celebrate every little success in the garden. Did a flower bloom? Throw a mini party! Let the kids take photos of their achievements or draw pictures of their favourite blooms. This not only makes them feel proud but also keeps them excited about gardening. You can even start a little scrapbook to track the progress over time, turning these small moments into cherished memories.
Incorporating educational activities
Keeping a plant growth journal
Getting kids to keep a plant growth journal can be a fantastic way to blend gardening with learning. Encourage them to jot down observations, sketch their plants, and note changes over time. This activity not only sharpens their observation skills but also helps them understand the life cycle of plants. You could even make it a bit creative by adding stickers or drawings. It's a bit like keeping a diary for their green friends.
Exploring plant lifecycles
Understanding the lifecycle of plants can be fascinating for children. You can start with seeds and follow through to the flowering stage. Explain the stages in simple terms—germination, growth, flowering, and seed production. Try using a mix of storytelling and hands-on activities to make it stick. Maybe even let them create a simple chart to track what happens at each stage.
Learning about pollinators
Pollinators play a key role in the garden, and teaching kids about them can be both fun and educational. Discuss different types of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. You might want to take a little field trip to a local garden or park to observe these creatures in action. This could also be a great opportunity to talk about why pollinators are important and how they help plants grow. For those interested in more structured learning, consider exploring top floral schools worldwide that offer courses in botany and plant sciences.
Harvesting and enjoying the blooms
Teaching proper flower cutting techniques
Introducing kids to the art of flower cutting is both fun and educational. Begin by explaining the importance of timing. Flowers should be cut early in the morning or late in the evening when they are most hydrated. Show them how to use scissors or shears safely, always cutting at an angle to help the plant heal quickly. It's a good idea to start with easy-to-cut flowers like marigolds or zinnias, which are forgiving if cut incorrectly.
Creating flower arrangements together
Once the flowers are cut, it's time to bring out the creativity. Gather all the blooms and let the kids decide on a theme or colour scheme for their arrangement. You can use jars, vases, or even recycled bottles as containers. Encourage them to think about height, texture, and colour contrast while arranging. This activity not only sparks creativity but also provides a sense of accomplishment when they see their beautiful creation on display.
Using flowers in creative projects
Beyond arrangements, there are countless ways to use flowers in crafts and projects. Pressed flowers can be used to make bookmarks or cards. You can also dry flowers and use them to create potpourri or scented sachets. Encourage the kids to come up with their own ideas, perhaps decorating a photo frame or making a flower crown. These activities not only make use of the blooms but also provide keepsakes that remind them of their gardening efforts.
Encouraging responsibility and ownership
Assigning a personal plant to each child
Giving each child their own plant to care for is a fantastic way to instil a sense of responsibility. Kids love having something that's theirs, and a plant is a great start. It’s like having a pet, but a bit less demanding. Let them pick out their own plant, whether from a nursery or even a seed packet. This choice gives them a sense of ownership from the beginning. You might even want to let them name their plant – it makes the experience more personal and fun.
Providing child-sized gardening tools
Using tools that fit their small hands makes a big difference. Imagine trying to dig a hole with a shovel twice your size! Kid-sized tools are not only practical but also make children feel like real gardeners. Look for sets that include basics like a trowel, rake, and watering can. These tools are usually colourful and playful, adding to the excitement of gardening.
Setting up a dedicated garden space
If possible, allocate a small patch of garden just for the kids. This space can be their little kingdom where they make the rules. They can decide what to plant and how to arrange their garden. If outdoor space is limited, consider using pots or planters. The important part is that they have a place they can call their own. This not only teaches them about gardening but also gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment as they watch their plants grow.
Capturing and cherishing gardening memories
Capturing moments in the garden with photos is a wonderful way to create lasting memories. Kids love seeing their progress, from planting the first seed to watching their flowers bloom. Encourage them to take photographs at different stages of the gardening process. This can be a fun way for them to document their hard work and see the results over time. You can even make it a regular activity, perhaps once a week, to capture the changes in the garden.
A scrapbook is a tangible way to keep track of the gardening journey. Let your kids gather leaves, petals, and other small items from the garden to include in their scrapbook. They can write notes about what they did each day, what they learned, and how they felt about the experience. This creative outlet not only helps them remember the details of their gardening adventures but also allows them to express their thoughts and emotions.
Reflexion is an important part of learning and growing. Spend some time with your kids discussing what they enjoyed most about gardening and what they found challenging. Ask them questions like, "What was your favourite part of the gardening process?" or "What would you like to do differently next time?" This can be a great opportunity to teach them about perseverance and learning from mistakes. Plus, it's a chance to celebrate their successes and look forward to future gardening projects.