5 Fun DIY Garden Projects to Do with Your Kids
As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, it's the perfect time to get your little ones outside and involved in some fun DIY garden projects. Not only is gardening a great way to teach kids about nature and the environment, but it can also be a wonderful bonding experience for the whole family.
At House on Penny Lane, we believe that getting kids engaged in the garden from a young age helps foster a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. That's why we've put together this list of 5 easy and enjoyable DIY garden projects that children can help with. So grab your gardening gloves and let's get started!
Herb Garden in a Pot
One of the easiest ways to get kids interested in gardening is to let them grow their own herbs. Choose a sunny spot and pick out a few different herb varieties that are easy to grow, like basil, mint, or chives. Have your little ones help pick out a colorful pot, decorate it, and then plant the herbs together. Encourage them to water and care for the plants, and soon they'll be able to harvest the herbs to use in cooking or making their own herbal teas.
Painted Garden Stones
This is a fun craft that allows kids to tap into their creative side while also adding a personal touch to your garden. Gather some smooth, flat stones and let your children go wild with non-toxic paints, markers, and glitter. They can design the stones however they like - maybe painting their names, drawing flowers, or making silly faces. Once dry, these unique stones can be placed throughout the garden as decorative accents.
Birdhouse Building
Attracting more birds to your garden is a great way to teach kids about wildlife and the importance of habitat conservation. Pick up a simple birdhouse kit and work together to assemble it. Encourage your little ones to get involved in choosing the design, painting it, and then deciding where to hang it up. They'll get such a thrill watching birds move into their new home!
Sensory Garden
Creating a sensory garden is a wonderful way to engage kids' five senses. Plant flowers, herbs, and other plants with interesting textures, smells, and colors. Include elements like wind chimes, a small water feature, or stones for little feet to explore. Spend time in the garden with your children, encouraging them to touch, smell, and even taste the different plants (just be sure to supervise closely!). This multi-sensory experience will spark their curiosity and wonder.
Seed Bombs
For the budding environmentalist, making seed bombs is a fun and easy project. All you need is some potting soil, compost, and a variety of wildflower or native plant seeds. Have your kids mix everything together into small balls, then toss them into bare spots in your garden or even abandoned lots in your neighborhood. As the seed bombs break down, they'll sprout new plants that attract pollinators and beautify the area.
No matter which projects you choose, the key is to make gardening a fun, hands-on experience for your kids. Celebrate their creativity, encourage their curiosity, and most importantly, enjoy the quality time spent together in the garden. Happy planting!