Have you been searching for a wholesome activity to do with your kids? Well, there is nothing more interesting than gardening in your backyard or adorning balconies with colours. Since flowers hold an inclination for everyone due to their aesthetic beauty and fragrance, kids will enjoy taming them. Plus, planting is an educational activity that will teach them the art of patience, responsibility and how nature works. It will infuse bonding and connection for the whole family.
With so many varieties of flowers available, it can be hard to decide which one to choose; our suggestion—go for easy-growing blossoms that do not make your children annoyed and keep the fun going. So, here we have compiled a list of the best flowers to consider growing with your kids, along with some useful tips, ideas and the importance of planting for children. Gear up for a good read.
Why Gardening is Great for Kids
Gardening is both a fun and mindful activity for children of all ages. Let’s see how nurturing flowers can shape the growth and mindset of kids.
Hands-On Learning:
Coming out from the limitations of books and the confines of the classroom, gardening promotes practical learning. It helps kids gain hands-on knowledge about science and nature. They will learn about soil composition, photosynthesis, various parts of the plants, etc.
Connection to Nature:
Indulging in growing flowers allows children to connect with nature on a deeper level. They will develop a love for nature and begin to care for it from a younger age.
Boosting Creativity:
Growing plants includes multiple processes, from selecting flowers to understanding their ways of blooming. This boosts the creativity in children and allows them to bring their ideas and experiment with time.
Choosing the Right Flowers: Factors to Consider
Crafting a thriving garden begins with choosing the right flowers based on your environment. Here are some factors to consider to have a wonderful planting experience.
Climate:
Determine the current climate zone of your area and whether the plants you have selected can withstand the climate. Consider plants that can adapt to your temperature, humidity, etc.
Space:
Space is the most important factor in plant growth. Some plants may survive in lightly dim corners, while others would require ample sunlight and airy spaces.
Maintenance Level:
Your kids will be occupied during schooling and studies, so the flower’s maintenance requirement should fit into their schedule. So, select plants that would not require too much attention and are easy to maintain.
Top 5 Easy Flowers for Kids to Grow
Before starting the gardening adventure with your munchkins, select some of the best kid-friendly flowers for them. Here are some top choices to have a blooming session!
1. Friendly Sunflowers Marvel
Sunflowers are revered for their unmatched warmth and beauty and, hands down, a kid’s favourite choice. These are admired for their long height and easy growth. Sunflower seeds are convenient to handle for kids and also grow faster. If you want giant sunflowers, let your kids plant them in the garden in a sunny spot. Or consider dwarf sunflowers in containers for small garden spaces.
2. Colour-burst with Marigolds
The bright yellow, orange and red shades of marigolds will be loved by kids. Plus, it has a strong smell that drives away pests, making it perfect for growing them around vegetables. Marigolds are drought tolerant and their vibrant presence in the garden will encourage the kids to enjoy nurturing them. Try planting mix and giant-size marigolds for a more attractive garden space.
3. Zinnias
Zinnia’s low-maintenance beauty blooms well with seeds and resembles daisies. They bloom beautifully in a variety of colours, sizes and shapes. It is better to plant them directly in the garden without considering the risk of transplantation. These flowers can be used for arranging floral displays, which helps children to present their creativity.
4. The Perfect Pansies
Known for their hardiness, pansies are edible and easy to care for. This also makes them highly kid-friendly. Moreover, they have designs and petals which make them perfect for pressing flowers in books and used for school projects.
5. Add Freshness with Daisies
The cheerful ambience of daisies can amplify both your garden outdoors and the indoor space. They are available in different types and attractive hues. These beautiful blooms can thrive in moist and well-drained soil.
Gardening Activities for Kids
Gardening can be even more fascinating when done through some exciting activities. Additionally, it makes learning more fun. Here are some amazing ideas for gardening activities for your kids.
Planting Day:
Plan a fun day to plant flowers together with your kids on a weekend or holiday. Gather the required beforehand to have an uninterrupted planting session, including:
- Seeds
- Soil
- Planters
- Watering cans
- Gloves
Flower Observation Journal:
Kids can keep their own journal to track the growth, changes and observation of their plants. This would increase curiosity and help develop scientific skills.
Craft Ideas:
Now its time to get more creative during planting flower sessions! Try flower-themed crafts, creating floral crowns or making seed bombs for large gardens.
Encouragement:
Inspire kids to start their own garden adventure. Encourage them to experiment, explore, to be patient and watch them flourish into skilled green-thumb!