Planting seeds and watching them blossom is an invaluable way for children to gain knowledge of nature. Additionally, garden DIY projects allow kids to practice math, science and fine motor skills while having fun outdoors.
Beginning gardeners should start small by planting warm weather vegetables from seed or purchasing seedlings at garden centers to get going quickly.
1. Container Gardening
Growing plants in containers is a fantastic way to add flair and interest to any garden, while it may also be suitable for those with limited space or physical limitations that prevent them from gardening at ground level.
Vegetables can be grown in many containers, including pots, window boxes and raised planters. Beginners should start out by seeking “dwarf” varieties that make good container gardening choices, including squash and cucumber vines that need support trellises for growing in containers. Containers dry out rapidly so beginners should monitor for this and water regularly to avoid drying out prematurely.
2. Container Planters
Container gardens add color and life to patios or porches. Proper watering of container gardens is essential to their successful performance; make sure the soil stays moist by watering regularly — but not so often that plants become overcrowded and susceptible to diseases.
When creating mixed flower and foliage planters, select plants with similar sun, temperature, nutrient needs and growth habits. Also take into consideration their mature size as well as vigor.
3. Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets add vibrant splashes of color to porches, balconies and entryways in any home. These compact container gardens can be filled with flowering annuals or hardy perennials such as ivy or polyanthus that retain their form over winter.
Containers crafted of moss or coconut fiber (compressed peat), lined with moss or coconut fiber (compressed peat), hold water well and keep soil damp. Daily or bi-daily watering during summer should keep them lush; garden beds require more attention due to bugs or pests that could invade their roots and decimate plant life.
4. Herb Gardens
Herb gardens are easy to maintain and make an attractive addition to any garden. You can grow herbs from seed or purchase healthy plants from a local nursery.
Herbs thrive in full sun and loamy soil with sufficient drainage, but if yours is heavy or clay-like, amend it by mixing in coarse sand (available at many hardware stores) to enhance drainage and increase airflow.
Utilize herb varieties that reflect your interests, whether that means using them in teas and perfumes or creating an herb knot garden or wheel for creative garden design.
5. Bee Gardens
An inviting bee garden brings life and benefits to both your backyard and harvest. Support pollinator health by planting nectar- and pollen-producing flowers which bloom from early spring through summer and into fall.
Convert empty toilet paper tubes into an original flower seed starter and enjoy watching children (and adults alike!) mimic bee-like dance moves as part of your garden project. Plus, this DIY rain barrel helps reduce synthetic chemicals and pesticide use while decreasing your carbon footprint!
6. Vegetable Gardens
Vegetable gardens require hard work but can also be immensely rewarding. To keep weeds and insects at bay, gardeners should learn how to utilize natural deterrents over chemicals or poisons for pest management.
Select a spot with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, ensure the soil drains freely, and consider amending it with compost or raised beds if possible. Grow what will feed yourself and your family; any surplus can be shared or donated to food banks in your community.
7. Herb Planters
Gardening can be an enriching hobby for people of all ages and can also serve as an educational and enjoyable experience for children.
Herbs are ideal for beginners looking to grow something, as they require minimal space and can thrive indoors or out. To start an herb garden, find a container that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day and fill it with compost.
Add an extra special touch by stenciling their name on a crate with dinosaur figures as labels, and adding fragrant herbs such as thyme for extra appeal!
8. Flower Planters
Flowers plants play a critical role in our ecosystem; not only are their vibrant hues and sweet fragrances beautiful to look at, they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies that transfer pollen between different plants to help ensure their reproduction.
Dahlias are beautiful outdoor flowers that require little maintenance; their blooms range in hue from yellow to purple and thrive best in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
Create a DIY rain barrel to collect and store water for your garden while also protecting wildlife by decreasing freshwater usage by birds and other critters. This project helps conserve nature by conserving scarce freshwater sources like lakes and rivers.
9. Vegetable Planters
Vegetable planters are the perfect way to maximize your gardening space in small gardens with poor soil, while at the same time providing your produce with plenty of light and drainage holes. Any container can hold soil as long as there is drainage access and sunlight is plentiful.
Children will love this project that combines gardening and craft activities for an engaging experience! Plus, you can repurpose items you already have around the house like an old tin can filled with cat grass as a decorative addition to the garden – plus it helps connect kids with nature!
10. Vegetable Garden
Vegetable gardens are an ideal project for anyone who enjoys eating fresh, healthy food. Children can get involved with this form of gardening easily; encouraging them to try new flavors. As they require full sunlight daily, choose a location where your vegetable patch receives full exposure.
If you aren’t quite ready to completely redo your yard, start small by planting in raised beds and containers instead. Start with leafy greens like lettuce and kale as well as tomatoes and herbs; these plants thrive when given plenty of breathing room.