5 gardening activities for kids of all ages | WUWM 89.7 FM

Many of us have been locked in our homes as we collectively overcome the coronavirus pandemic. But the stay-at-home order doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. And for those of us who live with children, getting out in the garden can be a great way to release some energy and exercise our creativity.

Gardening expert Melinda Myers shares some gardening projects for kids of all ages:

1. Paint a rain barrel

“It’s a great way to dress up this rain barrel. Kids will have fun and make it their own. It also helps them understand water. It hits the roof, flows, goes into this rain barrel which they can then use to water their flowers and garden, so that’s a good lesson,” says Myers.

Rain barrels can be a great way to reuse water and prevent basement flooding. Decorating the barrel can help brighten up the container and personalize the water cycle.

2. Growing Microgreens

“I like planting microgreens, planting radishes because they’re fast, you get fast results. You don’t have to wait forever for that tomato,” says Myers. “[Microgreens are] something that keeps kids excited.”

Growing microgreens is quick and easy. Plus, you can easily use recycled material.

Myers says growing green vegetables can be a great way to introduce kids to new foods and inspire them to eat the foods they grow.

3. Decorate Plant Markers

“Get out the paints, have the kids write down the names of the plants to work on the spelling. Take some old stones, paint pictures of vegetables or flowers,” says Myers.

Plant markers are a fun way to brighten up the garden before plants start to sprout and help you visualize what the garden will look like. They also help you remember what you planted and when to water or fertilize.

4. Create your own garden

“Measure the space, load them up,” says Myers. “The only problem with being responsible for kids is that you better live with their decisions unless you can kindly direct them.”

This is a great project for teenagers or more advanced gardeners. It gives a sense of ownership and control that can lead to great discoveries.

5. Bark friction

“If you can walk around your neighborhood and there are trees, rub some bark off. As the trees start to leaf, see if you can identify any trees in the neighborhood,” says Myers.

Back on the Lewis and Clark expedition, bark rubbing can turn into a real fact-finding mission. Searching for trees and adding facts to drawings can be a fun indoor adventure after returning from hiking around the neighborhood.