5 Tips for Getting Kids out in the Garden this Spring

1. Allocate your children their own space to garden in. It doesn't need to be a large area; if space is an issue a pot or a planter box is ideal.
2. Give them their own gardening tools and gloves to use. This is not only better for them ergonomically it helps increase their sense of responsibility and ownership.
3. Grow vegies and flowers that are of interest to children. Sunflowers, watermelon, rainbow silverbeet purple carrots and cherry tomatoes are popular with many kids.
4. Kids love bugs so go on a bug hunt in the garden. Dig around and find some earthworms, search for ladybugs or remove caterpillars and snails from the vegie patch.
5. Make your garden bright, colourful and inviting for you children. Decorations such as painted planter boxes, windsocks and decorative garden sticks can add a touch of magic to any children's garden.

Written by Caroline Roberts: Mum to an inquisitive toddler, primary school teacher and owner of Gardening 4 Kids. As an environmental educator and gardening specialist she has a passion for educating children about a healthy lifestyle and a sustainable future.