Spring has arrived, and with school holidays just a few weeks away, it's the perfect time to embrace the outdoors and engage in gardening activities.

Whether you have a spacious backyard in your Coburg home or a smaller courtyard within your Fitzroy apartment, involving children in gardening can be a delightful and healthful activity that offers numerous developmental benefits. From enjoying the thrill of outdoor exploration to getting their hands dirty while planting and nurturing, kids can experience the joy of watching their plants flourish.

Through gardening, children learn valuable life lessons such as responsibility and care for other living organisms. By grasping basic concepts about the importance of water, sunlight, and nutrients for plants, kids can develop a deeper understanding of the natural world. Engaging them in gardening imparts essential insights and teaches them that not everything is instantly attainable in our modern, fast-paced lives.

Furthermore, shared gardening experiences provide families with quality time to bond and foster cooperation among members. The simple act of working alongside children as they explore and tend to the garden creates lasting memories and strengthens family connections.

So, which plants are best suited for kids?

If possible, allocate a dedicated section of the garden—a planter box or a few pots—exclusively for children to cultivate. When selecting plants for them to grow, consider those that stimulate multiple senses. The Better Health resource provided by the Victorian government suggests opting for plants that appeal to various senses.

For instance, vibrant flowers like Daisies and Sunflowers not only catch children's attention but also add a striking visual element to any garden. Aromatic plants like Jasmine, Lavender, Mint, and Sweet Peas create a sensory experience, engaging children with their delightful scents and enhancing their gardening journey.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect is involving kids in growing vegetables and fruits, such as strawberries, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and corn. This approach offers dual benefits: the entire family enjoys freshly harvested produce, fostering a connection to homegrown, nutritious food. Additionally, as children taste the literal fruits of their labour, they gain insight into nutrition and the origins of fresh food.

To begin this journey, consider purchasing vegetable seeds from a local business like the Little Veggie Patch Co. in Heidelberg West, or explore the art of propagating yourself. Engaging in gardening with children goes beyond being a mere learning tool or a family pastime; it infuses your living space with a sense of charm and homeliness that is truly special.

To heighten the engagement and fun for kids, consider incorporating some of these suggestions:

• DIY Garden Labels: Create DIY garden labels with children to identify different plants. This combines creativity with practicality and helps them remember the names of the plants they're growing.
  
• Nature Journals: Encourage children to keep a nature journal where they can document their gardening journey. This can include sketches, notes about plant growth, and personal reflections on their experiences.
  
• Composting: Teach children about composting by involving them in the process of creating nutrient-rich soil from kitchen scraps and yard waste. This provides a valuable lesson in recycling and sustainability.
  
• Garden Art and Crafts: Combine gardening with artistic expression by involving children in garden-related art and craft projects. They could paint plant pots, create garden-themed wind chimes, or make decorative plant markers.
  
• Garden Photography: Encourage children to take photographs of the garden's progress over time. This not only documents their efforts but also fosters an appreciation for visual storytelling.
  

Growing a garden with kids isn’t just a great learning tool and a fun family activity; it also adds a layer of charm and homeliness to wherever you’re living!