Planting and growing is one thing my kids love to do with me that doesn’t feel like a chore. I don’t know if it’s the dirt they get to put their hands in or watching our vegetables grow, but it’s something we all can do together. Gardening is one of the best ways to spend quality time outdoors with your children. It’s hands-on, educational, and surprisingly calming for little ones (and adults too!). Whether you’re planting veggies or creating a colorful flower pot, gardening with kids is a wonderful way to teach responsibility, patience, and the joy of growing something together. As a gardening mom of three, I’ve found a few tried-and-true items that make all the difference. Here are 5 essential things you need to start gardening with your kids, plus a few bonus tips to keep your green-thumb adventures fun and safe! I’m happy to partner with Miracle-Gro today, an M&T sponsor, to help you get inspired to “Gro” as well! If you visit their Gro Project facebook page, you’ll see some perfect planting ideas for your home: Teyrarium, Ukulele Garden, Origami Planter.
5 Essential Tools You Need for Gardening with Kids
There are all kinds of things to grow and garden with kids. Planting and growing a vegetable garden is our favorite. My kids love to watch the plants grow, as it seems they grow a few inches everyday. But since we’ve already planted our veggies for the season a month or so ago, today it’s time to get a couple of flower pots ready to display on our deck. For helping in the garden, here are a few tips I’ve come across as I garden with my kids:
1. Kid-Friendly Garden Supplies
Start with the basics: a lightweight plastic pot, fresh potting soil, and vibrant, easy-to-grow plants like violas or dahlias. Let your kids choose the flowers—it gives them ownership and excitement.
One of our favorites is the purple viola, which reminds me of a song my grandma used to sing, and now I sing to my kids. ? ? Tip: Personalize your garden space with family memories or color themes your kids love!
2. Comfortable, Durable Gardening Gloves:
Gloves make all the difference! Look for kid-sized gloves with rubber grips to protect little hands from thorns and improve tool handling. The soft blue ones are great for general planting, while rubberized green gloves are perfect for tougher jobs like weeding.
3. Sunscreen Station:
Protect those sweet cheeks and tiny shoulders! Keep sunscreen near your back door so it’s easy to apply before heading out. Even on overcast days, UV rays can sneak up during garden time. ? Bonus: Have your kids “help” apply it as part of their gardening prep ritual!
4. A Place to Rest (Yes, Even for Kids!):
Gardening is hard work! Add a few child-sized chairs or stools to your garden setup, along with a soft kneeling pad for the grown-ups. Whether they’re helping or “supervising,” having a comfy place to rest makes gardening more enjoyable for everyone.
5. Mini Watering Cans = Maximum Fun:
Kids love watering plants—so much, in fact, you might need one watering can per child to prevent squabbles. Grab small, inexpensive cans so they can “own” their watering tasks. It’s a great way to teach responsibility and the importance of consistency in gardening.
Extra Tips for Gardening with Kids
Start small: A flower pot or small herb box is perfect for beginners. Name your plants: Giving plants silly names makes the experience more fun and memorable. Celebrate progress: Take photos and track growth—it’s science and scrapbook-worthy!
Keep Growing Together
Gardening with kids is more than planting seeds—it’s about cultivating patience, care, and creativity. Whether you’re growing tomatoes, flowers, or a love of nature, these simple tools will make your gardening time easier and more joyful. ? What are your favorite gardening memories with kids? Share them in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @makeandtakes!
*Originally posted: 5/16/13
