Gardening is a wonderful activity to do with children. It helps them to learn about the world by observing, exploring and interacting with its natural elements. Whether you are planting seeds in a few pots or in a large garden bed, children can enjoy learning about how things grow as well as smelling, touching and possibly even tasting what they have grown.

When my sons were younger, we planted seeds in cups full of dirt and placed them in a sunny window. We watered the plants and checked on them and were thrilled when the seeds began to sprout. After they grew a bit more we transferred the plants to an outside garden bed and kept observing.

We watered and weeded, and eventually we had a beautiful flower garden to enjoy. Since then, we continue to plant flowers and vegetables to admire and eat. There is something very special knowing that you helped to grow a part of your meal!

Reading stories about gardening while talking about what to grow, and progressing through the growing process can help to expand a child’s vocabulary. The following books are a great way for children to learn a bit about gardening and to talk about what would be fun to grow in your own garden.

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