Welcome spring with flowers, herbs or vegetables by growing with children! This time of year is a perfect opportunity to both plant indoors and grow outdoors, if you can.
Farming is fun and exciting - and a great activity to do with children, especially using their babysitting. You need to be patient when growing, which is easier said than done, especially when growing with children. That's why it's always smart to choose fast-growing things to plant. Below are some tips on what to plant with children and how.
Benefits of teaching children to farm
There are many reasons to plant your own vegetables and flowers from home, especially with children. Growing with children is a fun and educational way to teach children about how nature works and where food comes from - from farm to fork. It is also scientifically proven that we feel better when we surround ourselves with greenery, as it gives us peace and has a restorative effect. Recovering is important, especially as some children can have quite stressful and busy lives. Another clever reason for growing with children is that it can stimulate their interest in eating more greens. When children have had the chance to sow, water and care for their own plants, it becomes more fun and exciting to taste the results. This is an easy way to get children, who otherwise do not like vegetables, to dare to try new things. In addition, research shows a range of physical and mental benefits for children who learn to grow:
- It reduces stress levels in children
- Motor skills in children improve
- Concentration is improved
- Children are less likely to suffer from mental health problems later in life
- It provides a better understanding of nature and plants
Read more about planting plants with children here.
Easy seedlings to grow for beginners
A classic tip for growing at home is to use old egg cartons to sow in each small box that serves as a mini pot. Egg cartons are an environmentally friendly option and can be easily destroyed when it's time to replant the plants. Slightly larger tins can also be used (be careful not to scratch yourself!) as pots on the windowsill or balcony table. You can also grow directly in the ground outdoors, of course. Some tips on what to grow with children are:
- Sandwich cress - Sandwich cress is easy to grow, fast-growing and often a favourite with children. Sow cress on a cotton bed in the window, and get results just a few days later. A real hit with the kids!
- Sunflowers - Sunflowers are easy to sow and provide extremely beautiful flowers for the garden.
- Sugar snap peas - Sugar snap peas are also fast-growing and easy to grow. And they are delicious!
- Radishes - Easy to grow indoors, they grow quickly in just a few weeks, and easy to care for.
- Onions or garlic - Grow garlic cloves and get blast already after a few days.
- Marigold - Grows quickly so perfect for impatient children. The seeds can be direct sown outdoors.
