School holidays are the perfect time for children to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. And what better way to keep them occupied than by getting them involved in a fun and rewarding activity like gardening? Not only will they learn a new skill, but gardening projects can also help children to develop their creativity, patience, and sense of responsibility. We explore some garden projects that are perfect for children during school holidays. These are all low cost activities that families can enjoy together.
Planting vegetables and herbs is a great way to get children interested in gardening. It’s also a fun way to teach them about sustainability and where their food comes from. Start by selecting some easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, lettuce, basil, and parsley. Let children help with sowing the seeds, planting in the plants and watering them. Encourage them to keep track of the plants’ progress by taking photos or measuring their growth each week. Once the plants start producing, involve children in harvesting, cooking and eating their own homegrown food.
A sensory garden is a garden designed to engage all five senses – touch, smell, taste, sound and sight. It’s a great way to stimulate children’s curiosity and spark their imagination. Start by selecting some plants with interesting textures, smells and colours. Eg lavender can be used for its soothing aroma, while sunflowers can be enjoyed for their vibrant colour. Herbs like mint and rosemary can also be planted for their fragrant scents. Encourage children to touch the plants, smell them and even taste some of the edible ones.
Building a bug hotel is another fun garden project that children can enjoy. A bug hotel is like a mini-hotel for insects, providing a safe and comfortable place for them to live and breed. Start by gathering some natural materials like twigs, leaves, pine cones, and bark. Then, create a simple structure like a box or a frame. Allow children to fill the structure with the natural materials, making sure to leave plenty of spaces and crevices for the insects to crawl into. Encourage children to observe the bug hotel over time and see what kind of insects move in.
Painting garden rocks is a fun and creative activity that children of all ages can enjoy. It’s a great way to add some colour and personality to the garden while also giving children a sense of ownership and pride in their work. Start by gathering some smooth rocks of different sizes and shapes. Provide children with some paint, brushes, glitter and other decorative items. Encourage them to let their imaginations run wild and create unique designs on each rock. Once the rocks are dry, find a suitable spot in the garden to display them.
Creating a fairy garden is a magical and enchanting project that children will love. It’s a garden designed to attract fairies and other mythical creatures, providing a sense of wonder and imagination. Start by selecting some small plants like miniature ferns, succulents, and moss. Then, add some miniature objects like fairy houses, bridges, and animals. Encourage children to add their own personal touch by creating unique features like fairy doorways or hidden treasures.
Gardening is a great way to keep children active, engaged, and learning during school holidays. These garden projects are perfect for families in the UK who are looking for free and fun activities to enjoy together. By involving children in gardening, we can encourage them to develop new skills, creativity, and a sense of responsibility for the world around them. So, whether you’re planting vegetables, building bug hotels or creating fairy gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from in the garden.