4 Gardening and Landscaping Tasks Your Kids Can Help With
Yard chores are important for kids because they teach responsibility, a good work ethic when it comes to physical tasks, and a respect for nature. Plus, it never hurts to have an extra pair of helping hands! If you’re wondering how to get started, here are four gardening and landscaping tasks your kids can help with.
Why Have Kids Help in the Yard?
By having your children help in the yard, you’re not just making progress on your landscaping goals. You’re also giving your kiddos a chance to learn about plants, ecosystems, and sustainability. These experiences can instill long-term values in your children, such as patience, teamwork, and care for the environment.
Yard work is also one of the most engaging screen-free adventures that will help your children unplug and get active outdoors, which is great for their well-being. They’ll strengthen their coordination and motor skills while exploring soil, water, and plant textures. Best of all, working together as a family strengthens your bond and helps you make wonderful memories!
Tasks To Get Them Involved
Here are four enriching, age-appropriate gardening and landscaping tasks that most kids can help with.
Planting Seeds
Planting seeds is one of the easiest gardening tasks your kids can handle. Teach your children to dig appropriately deep holes (using kid-safe gardening tools) and gently place whatever seeds you’re using inside. Instruct them on how to cover the hole with soil and dampen it to encourage sprouting. Finally, have them label their plantings with popsicle-stick markers.
Watering the Plants
Kids love playing with water, so put that enthusiasm to good use. Equip your little ones with small watering cans (or a hose if they’re old enough), and show them how to give plants just the right amount of water. Teach them about how each plant is different. For instance, you can help your child understand tree transpiration and watering needs and how those differ from those of flowers. Of course, highlight why plants need water and help your kids know how to identify soil that’s too dry or too wet.
Sorting for Compost
If you compost, involve your children. Teach your kids the difference between organic and nonorganic waste, as well as the types of organic waste you can’t compost (such as meat, dairy, and oil). Your kids will likely enjoy deciphering what’s compostable and what’s not, and they’ll love playing a role in growing healthy, thriving plants. Plus, this hands-on activity helps them understand waste reduction and sustainability in action.
Gentle Weeding
Your kids can lend a helping hand pulling out small, loosely rooted weeds. This is an opportunity to teach them to recognize weeds versus wanted plants.
Important Safety Tips
While your kids explore gardening, putting safety first ensures everyone has a great time. Dress them in gloves to protect their hands from sharp debris (like splinters and thorns) and insect bites. Even if it’s not sunny outside, apply sunscreen and remind them to drink enough water—gardening is hard work! Next, use kid-friendly tools with ergonomic handles and no dangerously sharp edges. Finally, teach them to wash up well after handling plants or dirt to avoid spreading germs.
By involving your kids in gardening, you’re not just getting extra hands to tackle outdoor chores—you’re building family bonds and life skills in a fun, creative way. Have your kids help with these gardening and landscaping tasks, and watch them flourish alongside the plants!
