Gardening is the ultimate sensory experience. Children can play with soil, smell flowers, and eat delicious, juicy foods. They can see amazing things happen and feel rewarded for their hard work. Gardening is for children of all ages, especially babies. Have you ever seen a baby's delight when they discover a strawberry patch?
Gardening can be physical work (try pushing a child-sized wheelbarrow!) and it produces fruits, vegetables and herbs. Physical activity and healthy eating are valued in both the National Quality Standard (2.1.3) and the Early Years Learning Framework (3.2).
Gardening also encourages children to show respect for the environment (2.4) which aligns with EYLF learning outcomes. As children watch insects, help plants grow, and observe the seasons, their appreciation for nature increases.
How to start a vegetable garden
Gardening is overwhelming for some early childhood educators. You may have limited space, no budget, and no gardening experience. All of these challenges can be overcome, and the results are worth it.
- Read How to help kids set up their own garden By Rachel Rasker. She writes about choosing a site, selecting plants, and keeping a gardening journal.
- Read Planning a vegetable patch that produces all year round in Australia by Jane Canaway. She explains how to prepare your garden, what to plant and when to plant it.
- Learn when to plant vegetables in your climate using the Gardening Australia Vegie Guide.
Build a garden for free
Setting up a garden can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Ask families and community organisations to donate useful things like old pots and seeds. You may get donations of heirloom seeds that have been in a family for generations. Remember to save the seeds from your own plants and pass them on to other families!
- Go for a walk to find long sticks and build your own snow pea teepee.
- Make garden nutrients from kitchen scraps. Read SA Government's guide to making compost.
- Ask for advice and information from your local community garden. Invite somebody experienced in horticulture to teach skills to the educators and children.
- Share seeds and seedlings through Grow Free.
How to grow plants in small spaces
- Read ‘There’s a world of wonder to explore’: great ways to get kids into gardening by Alys Fowler. She explains how to create plants from kitchen scraps, grow a lentil farm indoors, and make your own pots and watering cans for free.
- Read How to grow microgreens by Jane Canaway.
- Want more space? Ask your council for permission to grow a public street garden.
Events
- International Composting Awareness Week is in May
- Australian National Organic Week is in September
Resources
Picture books
- A Year in Our New Garden by Gerda Muller
- How Does My Garden Grow? by Gerda Muller
- Good Garden by Katie Smith Milway
- The Last Garden by Rachel Ip
- The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes
Music and poems
- Justine Clarke: Doing it (making the garden grow)
- Amber Lawrence: Growing in my garden
- Botanic Gardens of South Australia: poetry about gardens