Gardening for Kids: Where Food Comes From

From plant to plate - teaching kids where food comes from

Getting kids in the garden is a fantastic way to show them the food production process. In today's busy world, many kids don't know that yummy fruits and veggies come from seeds, soil and sunshine. 

Here are our top tips to encourage your kids to grow food in the backyard:

• Spark their curiosity: get your kids curious about where food comes from by asking simple questions like, "Ever wonder how our food grows?" or "What do plants need to grow?" Encourage them to ask questions and share their thoughts.
• Start with easy plants: kick off their gardening journey with simple plants like beans, radishes, and microgreens. These grow fast and connect your child's efforts directly to the food they eat. Let them choose favorites like basil, mint, cherry tomatoes, or lettuce. 
• Make a learning garden: turn a small spot in your yard, on the balcony, or a countertop into a learning garden. Involve your child in the whole process, from prepping the soil to planting seeds and taking care of the plants. Explain how sunlight, water, and nutrients help plants grow. Use kid-friendly tools (we love these ones from Cyclone) to keep them safe. This hands-on experience helps them understand what plants need.
• See the magic of seeds: show your kids how seeds puff up, sprout, and turn into plants. You can do this by placing a few seeds on a wet paper towel or in clear containers. Seeing the change up close will get them excited about gardening.
• Watch and keep track: gardening is an opportunity for older kids to learn valuable skills like recording keeping. Encourage your child to notice how their plants change each day. Help them keep a gardening journal, or make a photo album or video showing the growth stages. 
• Teach sustainability: teach your child the importance of composting kitchen scraps, leaves, and plant bits to make super-nutrient soil. If you have space for a compost bin or worm farm, get them involved in the process of composting. It's a lesson in cutting down waste and looking after the environment. 
• Harvest and enjoy: the best part for kids is when it's time to pick their hard-earned veggies and herbs. Let them pick ripe fruit and veggies, and enjoy the smells and tastes. Celebrate by using their homegrown goodies in family meals like salads or pizzas. This links gardening with the food on their plates.

Gardening with your kids is a fun learning experience! It teaches them about healthy eating and caring for the environment, and they'll love the taste of their home grown produce.