Seven tips for gardening with kids

Children love getting their hands mucky, so gardening can be the perfect activity to do together that will help them learn more about nature whilst having fun.

Try our seven top tips to encourage your little gardener.

A great way to get started is to plant quick-sprouting seeds, so that impatient little ones can see the results of their hard work without much waiting around!

Take our quiz to for ideas of what to plant with your little one, with time and space you have.

TOP TIP: Sunflower, cress and salad seeds provide really easy results and are a simple way to explain the process of planting seeds and seeing the rewards.

Once you’ve mastered step one, herbs such as basil and mint or vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce are a fantastic next step.

TOP TIP: Why not try cooking with the herbs and vegetables you grow together. It helps children to learn where food comes from and it’s a fun way to encourage fussy eaters to try new foods!

Planting in the garden is a great way to stimulate your child’s senses of touch, sight, sound, taste and smell – soft flowers, bushes and plants that rustle, strong smells and bright colours all help to enrich your child’s experience of gardening.

TOP TIP: Sensory plants can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs and sensory impairments, as it encourages them to explore and enjoy the garden.

If your little one really loves getting out and about in the garden it can be helpful to get a set of child-friendly mini-tools that they can hold and use by themselves.

TOP TIP: Having a little watering can, rake, trowel and spade can really help build your child’s sense of independence as well as their physical movement and fine motor skills.

Set aside some old clothes as your little one’s ‘gardening clothes’. Working in the earth and soil has a high mess factor that children love so it’s a good idea to wear something that you don’t mind them getting messy.

TOP TIP: Don't forget sun cream and sun hats. Even on days that aren't particularly sunny, long spells in the garden mean that little ones still need skin protection – especially in the middle of the day.

Children may be completely engrossed in gardening, but this isn’t always the case, so be prepared for the fact that they may have a limited attention span and won't be absorbed for more than a few minutes at a time. Asking lots of questions throughout the process can make them feel like they’re actively involved.

TOP TIP: It’s a good idea to keep things simple and have other gardening related activities up your sleeve to extend your child's interest, such as making plant labels, searching for mini-beasts or even building a compost heap!

Try taking photos or drawing pictures of your plants with your little one at the different stages of bloom. Something like a sunflower works really well to show them how amazing the process of gardening can be.

TOP TIP: Why not stick the pictures in a scrapbook to help your child remember the process of planting and growing, and to remind them how far their plant has come.

If your child is already curious about gardening find more practical tips about what to plant, where to plant and fun jobs you can give to children.

Join Rebecca and learn how to make your own cress head.

Go on your own Eco Quest with Range Hamza.

Play A Year On Your Farm game.

Find out what children can learn from looking after plants and ideas for playing in the garden with little ones in these informative article from CBeebies Parenting.

Find tips on parenting and early childhood education, creative activity ideas, party planning guides, and delicious recipes. Discover insights into the educational content of CBeebies shows, helping you understand how our programmes support your child's development.

Check out the CBeebies spring collection or explore programmes with a focus on exploring nature and growing plants with children.

I Can Grow It: Follow Aaron Roach Bridgeman and his young “Garden Buds” as they uncover the magic of nature in a colourful inner‑city garden.

What's in Your Plant Pot?: This exciting new show explores the incredible plants that awesome people from across the UK grow, work with or are inspired by.

Down on the Farm: Explore the outdoor world of farming and the countryside with JB and Storm from Down on the Farm.

Ranger Hamza's Eco Quest: Join Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers on an eco quest.

Mr Bloom's Nursery: Explore Mr Bloom's allotment with games and songs.