One of the best ways to use your outdoor space and enjoy the many benefits of nature is to plant your own family garden. Reap the rewards of homegrown organic vegetables all season long and share quality time with the whole family. Teaching your children about sustainable food practices while exploring new crops and learning together can be a great activity for everyone.
Children love to help and feel a sense of accomplishment. A family garden is a great place for children to learn about how things grow and develop a good sense of responsibility. Not only will you have the freshest fruits, herbs and vegetables with your meals, but your child will know that they have helped to feed their family.
Benefits of Family Garden
Make a plan that includes the whole family. This can be a really fun part of the process that gives each family member the chance to have their own ideas come to life. For newly blended families, a garden can be a great way to spend important bonding time with each other. Try to choose the best spot in your yard that has the right sun exposure and water irrigation. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can check out these irrigation and soil tips on NashvillesMLS.com.
Once your plot is ready for planting, you are ready to start. In colder climates, you can start some of your seeds indoors. This can give your kids a bird’s-eye view of the sprouting process. Take a look at just some of the benefits of a family garden that will help you cultivate lifelong memories.
Education & Skills
- Learn the process of food production from farm to table first-hand
- Learn important farming and gardening techniques that can be used throughout life
- Be able to recognize plants on sight and tell them apart
- Acquire long-term sustainable practices that can become part of a healthy lifestyle
- Learn about the importance of bees & butterflies for pollination and how it works
Growing
- Take on responsibility and pride of providing vegetables for the family
- Learn about taking care of the garden (watering, fertilizing, weeding)
- Spend quality time with other family members in a relaxed and healthy setting
- Build a sense of confidence as they see their vegetables growing
- Develop a charitable lifestyle when giving away surplus goods to friends and neighbors
Healthy Recreation
- Spend time away from screens and games and get outside in the fresh air
- Learn to cook simple recipes using produce that has been grown right in your own backyard
- Try new types of crops and garden designs
- Help design and build raised garden beds
A garden can provide you and your family with a healthy alternative family activity that can become a cherished tradition. Help your kids grow their own better food, catch up on much needed quality time and learn important life skills with your own family garden.