It’s been over a year of staying home. Big adjustments have been made, and lives have changed one way or another — particularly among children. Playtime and school aren’t what they used to be. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that their well-being is prioritized, especially when keeping them engaged and thriving.

Gardening is one activity children can enjoy the most. They become inspired to be in touch with nature and understand the wonders of growing one’s own. For one, indoor gardening with kids teaches them that there is more to life beyond computer games and fiddling with their gadgets.

Tips for Indoor Gardening with Kids

Gardening with your little ones may be a little different compared when you do it on your own. Here are useful tips to make it all fit for your kids.

1. Show them What They’re in For

Catch their attention by showing them photos and videos of gardening. Choose those that show kids getting involved so that they easily feel more connected with what the activity. This way, they know what they’re in for and preview what they can reap out of it in a few weeks’ time.

2. Start Small and Simple

Always remember that you are introducing something they may not have done before. Indoor gardening with kids must be started small and simple. Pick seeds that won’t need a lot of work and patience. Aim to grow forgiving plants like peas, lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs.

Seed starter kits are a good place to start, as they come with things you need to get growing. Moreover, many of them are made for growing inside.

3. Choose the Best Location

If your home doesn’t have a backyard or balcony, the windowsill is the best place to put your pots in. You want your kids to enjoy seeing the progress of their efforts.

Positioning them in areas with the most amount of sunlight give plants the best possible results, and with your kids witnessing their growth in action.

4. Make it Personalized

One way to make gardening indoors with kids enjoyable is to make it personalized. Go around the house and find old containers you can use as pots. Early on, teach your children the value in composting with the simplest items like fruit peels, shredded paper, coffee grounds, and the like.

Allow them to feel the soil in their hands and do a little digging themselves with age-appropriate tools. You can also have them DIY their pots by painting or decorating them with found objects. Letting them be this hands on keeps them interested throughout, and will also further the value they put in their work.

5. Don’t Overthink It

You want indoor gardening with kids to be as fun, easy and engaging as possible. Loosen things up and allow room for mishaps. Don’t overthink what you need to do and how to do it properly.

Only remember the basics and focus the energy more on the bonding time you get to have with your children, and keeping their worlds open to Mother Nature, even when everyone’s at home.