Six spectacular ways to grow together.
Gardening is a great way to spend time as a family—it’s chock full of kid-friendly activities like digging in the dirt and using the watering can.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and showcase your green thumb with these fun family ideas:
Admire the best. Head to some of the best gardens in the Twin Cities area for ideas and inspiration. Check out Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, or the weekend family activities at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Plan together. Take a family trip to the farmer’s market to see the possibilities, and then plot your garden goods as a group. Narrow your list to items that are native to Minnesota—check out the Department of Agriculture’s guide for what’s in season throughout the year.
Gear up. Gardening comes with lots of fun accessories—outfit the kiddos with gloves, rubber clogs, and child-sized (and appropriate for age) tools. Or, accessorize the garden to attract feathered friends with bird baths and hummingbird feeders.
Stick with speed. Help kids stay engaged and start with plants versus seeds, or choose seeds that grow quickly. Check out this list of six fast-producers from HGTV.
Give kids responsibility. Section off a portion of the garden for your child. Depending on age, you can develop a schedule for them to stick to, or leave it up to him or her to select what to plant, and how to care for the crop.
Enjoy “farm” to table. Find kid-friendly recipes that make use of what you grow, and then make a meal together featuring something from the family garden. Consider planting a “pizza garden” that features Italian herbs, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic.