Gardening is a great family activity any time of the year. Not only is it a great source of physical activity, but it also gives everyone the opportunity to soak up the sun outdoors. Additionally, gardening teaches children responsibility and encourages families to work together toward a common goal.
Unfortunately, as the days get shorter and the temperature drops, gardening becomes more difficult to do. However, that doesn’t mean your time in the garden is over for the year. In fact, you can enjoy these 5 family gardening activities this coming weekend.
5 Preparation for spring planting
Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean gardening season is over. In fact, there’s still plenty your family can do in the garden this fall.
For starters, you can focus on cleaning up your flower beds so they’re ready for next spring. Kids love digging up dead plants, playing in the dirt and cleaning up the mess. You can also have them hunt the seeds so you can save them for spring planting.
If you want to be more proactive, your family can make and decorate label markers for your herbs and flowers. You can make a craft project out of them, then get out and place them so they’re ready for planting season.
4 Plant in advance
Most people don’t think of fall as the time to plant. After all, cooler weather and freezing nights are not conducive to the growth of new plants. However, Debi Huang of Discover nature says it’s a great time to start planting some things.
For example, many spring flowers like tulips and daffodils are bulbs, meaning they need a number of weeks of cool weather to grow. Planting your spring bulbs now will ensure they get the time they need in 35-45 degree weather to bloom when spring arrives.
Plus, fall is the perfect time to plant new trees and shrubs. The cooler weather gives trees and shrubs time to establish their roots so they are better equipped to deal with the hot, dry weather of summer when it comes. There is also no risk of harming the trees when winter weather arrives since they “go dormant” during the cold winter months.
3 Collect leaves for compost
One of the best parts of fall for most kids is playing in the leaves. But what happens to the leaves after all that fun is done? Well, the leaves eventually decompose – and they make excellent fertilizer for your future garden. They also help to create a kind of natural mulch that prevents weeds from growing in your garden, which can be very useful when spring arrives.
For this reason, the team of Parent review recommends collecting all the leaves from your garden and placing them in your compost pile or mixing them with your garden soil so they can provide nutrients to your plants next fall.
2 Clean and store your bird feeders
Birds find it difficult to find food as the weather gets colder, so they will turn to bird feeders in your yard. If you have any in your garden, now is a great time to clean them up and stock them with lots of delicious bird seed.
According to spruce, you want to provide a seed mix that will appeal to a variety of birds. You will want a food that includes sunflower seeds, corn, walnuts and thistle seeds. The birds will love the fact that you provide them with tasty food and the kids will love watching the birds come into the yard all winter long.
1 Plant fall flowers and plants
Believe it or not, fall isn’t necessarily the end of the year for your garden if you don’t want it to be. In fact, the team School says there are still many wonderful fall plants and flowers you and your kids can plant this fall.
Flowers like pansies, marigolds, asters and zinnias all make great fall blooms. They’re colorful, butterflies love them, and they’re doing well even as the temperatures continue to cool. If you prefer something you can eat instead, vegetables like arugula, spinach, and kale make great fall dishes. Depending on the region you live in, you can also plant peas, cabbage, broccoli or onions.
Whatever you decide to plant is sure to make for a fun weekend the whole family can enjoy.
The days may seem shorter and the nights cooler, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to ditch the garden for the year. With these 5 activities, your family is sure to enjoy their time in the garden this weekend – guaranteed.
Sources: Discover nature, Parent review, spruce, School
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