The power of plants is undeniable. As grocery stores flood and people are rushing to get staples, there is an alternative that everyone can try: finding their green thumbs. Indoor gardens, container gardens, porch gardens – any way of cultivating plants, herbs, vegetables, and fruits will help alleviate stress in the mind and in the pockets. A wonderful skill to pass to (or learn with!) your children in horticulture. It can be a form of meditation, as well as a source of salads and soups. Flower gardening is something everyone can enjoy, from admiring humans to hungry bees and birds. Get back in touch with the natural cycle, and feel good about fueling plant power!
As a parent, it can be a challenge to find fun and enriching activities to do as a family. Planting a backyard garden is an educational and rewarding way to bring parents and children together during planting, watering, and harvesting season. Get your hands dirty and grow some delicious and nutritious vegetables right in your own backyard.
Gardening provides many excellent teaching opportunities for your children. Teaching them about sustainable living and the cycle of growing their own food can be a lesson that they will remember for a lifetime.
Spruce up your plain old lawn safely and break ground on a small plot where you can start your garden. There are so many benefits to both you and your children from growing a family garden together.
Family Time
Parents are in heavy competition with technology today and it can be tough to find time to spend together where there are no screens involved. Getting your kids excited about doing something together is a great way to strengthen and renew your natural connection.
Quality time spent together as a family is an important way to improve your communication and bonding. Spending a few hours a week working in your garden can help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Learning
Starting a family garden will give your children many opportunities to learn. You can teach them about the growing cycle so that they can begin to understand the concept of where their food comes from. You can also teach them how to maintain and harvest their bounty.
Once your harvest is in, you can take your lessons straight into the kitchen. If your kids are old enough to help you prepare meals, you can explore new recipes together using vegetables from your own garden.
Photo: Markus Spiske from Pexels
Confidence & Self-Esteem
When your children take on the responsibilities of caring for a family garden you will help them boost their confidence and self-esteem. Following the gardening process from planting to harvesting will give your children a sense of accomplishment and goal fulfillment that comes from the process itself.
It’s a good idea to assign specific duties to each of your children. Watering, weeding, fertilizing and pruning are all duties that will help your garden and children to flourish.
Fresh Vegetables
Many people are looking for ways in their everyday lives to be more sustainable and eco-friendly. A backyard garden might not seem like much of a change, but it can provide you with fresh organic vegetables free from chemicals, which is great for your health and the environment.
As your family gains experience with gardening you can add new crops each year to expand your bounty. You can even sell or give your excess vegetables to family and friends. Your children want your time and attention more than anything else. Why not start planting a garden, so that you can enjoy the benefits together as a family?
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