Welcome Summer! Kid-Friendly Gardening Tips

School’s out for SUMMER…School’s out forever! 🎶 Oh come on! I know you’re singing it too! The kids get out of school today and I feel like it snuck up on me so fast! I find myself scrambling to figure out how to entertain the kids, make memories, and manage the day to day on the farm. As a stay at home mom and a small business owner, it’s difficult to juggle all the things. I find it hard to strike a balance between getting things done to elevate business to the next level, but also spend quality time engaging with the kids. I have to admit that I was feeling pretty depressed yesterday and a bit unmotivated, something I haven’t thankfully experienced in awhile. The to-do list is long, I am facing deadlines with some marketing efforts, and my youngest is struggling with potty training. I wanted to get out in the glorious weather today to knock that list down, but that was derailed by accident after accident. The good news is that this too shall pass. I got to go to two dance classes, read countless books, solve a puzzle, teach MJ to sew with lacing cards, and role play with peg-men in boats too. I value this time so much, but I also know that summer will be a challenge. So here are some reminders to myself and to all the parents and grandparents out there about simple ways to get kids out in the garden with you:

1. Planting Easy-to-Grow Flowers

Sometimes the simplest activities can bring the most joy. One of the easiest ways to get kids involved in gardening is by planting flowers that are quick to grow. Marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias are all great options. They’re hardy and provide beautiful, colorful blooms that kids will be proud of. My girls also like to pick out their own flowers and vegetable starts at the local garden center. They feel empowered by making their own choices and they are more likely to care for these plants.

2. Herb Gardening in Pots

Starting a small herb garden is another great idea. Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are easy to grow in pots. This project not only keeps the kids busy but also adds a wonderful touch to your kitchen. Plus, it's a fantastic way to teach them about the origin of the herbs you use in cooking. Mint is one of the easiest to grow in pots and the simplest to use too. Mint lemonade or fruit water with mint is a delicious way to help keep the kids hydrated. You could also plant a pizza garden with ingredients you might use for a pizza- tomatoes, basil, oregano, garlic, onions, and peppers are all great choices.

3. Create a Butterfly Garden

Transforming a section of your garden into a butterfly haven can be incredibly rewarding. Planting flowers like milkweed, parsley, bronze fennel, goldenrod, bee balm, joe-pye weed, and rudbeckia will attract butterflies, providing kids with a close-up view of these beautiful pollinators and teaching them about the importance of biodiversity. We had three clutches of swallowtail caterpillars on our parsley last year. It was incredible to watch. They devoured the parsley, but miraculously the plant knew what to do. It regenerated itself for the next batch quickly. I planted 4 plants so there was enough parsley for us and the caterpillars. Parsley is a biennial and has bolted. I’m excited to see what activity we will get this year with blooms among the foliage.

4. Decorate Garden Rocks

This is a fun and creative way to spend time with the kids while adding a personal touch to your garden. Gather some smooth rocks and let the kids paint them with colorful designs, plant names, or fun patterns. These rocks can be used as garden markers or decorations, adding a bit of personality to your space. We’ve done this project two or three times and it never gets old. It’s also fun to see the kid’s progression as budding artists each time you make new rocks. My kids also love moving them around the garden and I find it fun to stumble across them. It always brings a smile to my face.

5. They wanna walk like you talk like you oo-oo-oo.

Did you catch the Jungle Book reference?! This is the easiest of them all. Just let them help. Let them be a part of what you’re doing. Though it may frustrate me at times or slow me down, the kids are capable and willing helpers that like to be outside with me and bounce in and out of my projects. I asked both girls what their favorite gardening thing to do is and here are their responses:

Aubree (6): “I like watering the plants. It’s fun to play with water. After I’m done, mom puts on the mist setting and we get to run and play in the water to cool off.”

Marcie (3): “I like watering and planting the plants. It makes me feel special.”

Remember, the goal is not to create a perfect garden but to enjoy the process and make memories with your kids. Gardening is a fantastic way to teach children about nature, responsibility, and the satisfaction of watching something grow. So, embrace the chaos, enjoy the sunshine, and happy gardening! Until next time, Flower Friends!

Kepp Blooming,

Nicole Dillon

Breemar Flower Farm | Ashland, VA