WILD HOME EDUCATION

Spring is finally here, and what better way to celebrate than by getting outside and starting a garden project with your kids? Gardening is a great way to connect with nature, learn about plants and their life cycles, and develop skills in responsibility, patience, and teamwork. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

If you’re new to gardening, starting with a small vegetable or herb garden is a great way to get started. Not only will you get to enjoy fresh, organic produce, but you’ll also get to teach your kids about where their food comes from and the importance of sustainable living. Here are some tips for getting started:

1. Plan your garden. Before you start digging, take some time to plan out what you want to grow and where. Choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage. Consider the size of your garden and how much space each plant will need. You can find plenty of resources online to help you plan your garden layout.
2. Prepare the soil. Once you’ve chosen your location, it’s time to prepare the soil. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the area. You can add organic matter like compost or manure to enrich the soil and improve its texture.
3. Choose your plants. Now comes the fun part – choosing what to grow! Consider the climate and growing conditions in your area when selecting your plants. Some easy-to-grow vegetables for beginners include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and lettuce. Herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro are also great options. (I advise buying a good growers guide or book to assist in your project)
4. Get planting! Once you have your plants, it’s time to get them in the ground. Make sure to follow the planting instructions for each type of plant, including the recommended spacing and depth.
5. Care for your garden. Once your garden is planted, it’s important to care for it properly. This includes watering, fertilising, and weeding as needed. You can also involve your kids in regular garden maintenance tasks, like harvesting and pruning.

Gardening is a great activity for kids of all ages, and it can be a wonderful way to bond as a family. Encourage your kids to get involved in the planning, planting, and maintenance of your garden project. You can also use gardening as a way to teach your kids about science, math, and language arts. For example, you can have them keep a journal to document the growth and changes of their plants, or use gardening as a way to learn about measuring and fractions.

In addition to the educational benefits, gardening can also help improve your child’s physical health and mental wellbeing. Spending time outside in nature and engaging in physical activity can help reduce stress and improve mood. Plus, eating fresh, healthy produce can help promote overall health and wellness.

We have prepared our vegetable beds for the season ahead and are looking forward to having our very own medicinal garden (Chamomile, Echinacea, Milk Thistle, Wild Lettuce, and Elderberry). As well as a host of vegetables such as: Swedes, Leeks, Spring onions, Onions, Sprouts, Parsnips, Courgette etc.

In conclusion, spring is the perfect time to get outside and start a garden project with your kids. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, there’s always something new to learn and explore in the world of gardening. So grab your gloves and shovels, and let’s get planting!