Utilizing Nature’s Resources: Vikki Nicolai, La Crosse, WI, Shares How To Get Kids Involved in Sustainable Gardening

With environmental concerns growing daily, teaching children the value of sustainable living from an early age is essential. Gardening fosters environmental responsibility and helps children cultivate patience, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. In this blog post, Vikki Nicolai, La Crosse, WI, shares ways to get kids involved in sustainable gardening.

Start With Simple Plants

Begin with simple plants like herbs, leafy vegetables, and small flowers. These plants are easy to grow and maintain, making them perfect for introducing kids to the joys of gardening. Such plants can also be used for indoor gardens, which require minimal space and provide several environmental benefits.

Use Composting Techniques

Teaching kids about composting techniques will help them understand how to recycle organic waste into nutritious soil for plants. Composting also reduces landfill waste and is an eco-friendly way of enriching plants with healthy nutrients.

Practice Water Conservation

Water is one of the planet’s most precious resources, and teaching children the importance of conservation is important. Kids can be taught to water plants only when necessary, using drip irrigation techniques to conserve water while ensuring the plants receive sufficient hydration.

Encourage Companion Planting

Companion planting is planting two or more plants next to each other, benefiting one another. For instance, marigolds planted next to vegetables can help attract beneficial insects, while some plants help repel pests. Teaching kids about companion planting can be fun to learn about plant interactions and promote sustainable gardening.

Grow Organic Produce

Growing organic produce helps kids understand the importance of chemical-free farming. We must teach them the dangers of pesticides and other chemicals on our food, water, and soil. Organic gardening is an effective way to help mitigate this challenge and also promote a healthy lifestyle.

Set Up A School Garden

Schools can encourage sustainable gardening by setting up a school garden where kids can learn about plant growth and care. It can also be a great way to promote teamwork and social interaction. A school garden can serve as an outdoor classroom where students can learn about science, the environment, and sustainability.

Host Garden Parties

Hosting garden parties is a fun way to celebrate the joys of gardening. It can be a fun activity for kids, witnessing the fruits of their labor and socializing with family and friends. Garden parties can also help kids to appreciate the importance of plants and animals in our ecosystem.

Eco-friendly Pest Control

Pest control is often necessary for gardening, but it does not have to harm the environment. Teach kids about eco-friendly pest control methods, such as companion planting and using natural repellents like neem oil or garlic. This will help them understand the importance of reducing the use of harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment.

Plant-based Recipes

Gardening is not just about growing plants but also about utilizing the harvest. Teach kids about plant-based recipes and encourage them to get involved in preparing meals that incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables. This will help them understand the importance of reducing food waste and the benefits of a healthy, plant-based diet.

Pollinator Gardening

Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Encourage kids to plant native plants that attract pollinators and explain how they contribute to the environment. This will also help them understand the importance of biodiversity and its impact on the food system.

Community Involvement

Sustainable gardening can also be a community effort. Encourage kids to participate in community gardening projects such as neighborhood or school gardens. This will help them understand the importance of working together to create a sustainable future.

Creating A Habitat For Wildlife

Creating a habitat for wildlife is another way to get kids involved in sustainable gardening. Kids can learn about the importance of supporting the natural ecosystem by planting native plants, trees, and shrubs that provide food and shelter for wildlife. They can also create a birdhouse or a small pond to attract birds and other wildlife to the garden.

Seed Saving

Seed saving is collecting and storing seeds from plants for planting in the future. Kids can learn about seed saving by choosing plants that are easy to save seeds from and learning how to store them properly. Seed saving is an essential part of sustainable gardening because it promotes the preservation of plant diversity.

Raised Bed Gardening

Raised bed gardening is a great way to grow plants. It involves building a bed or container and filling it with nutrient-rich soil. It requires less water and is a great way to grow plants in small spaces.

Conclusion

Gardening can be an enriching experience for kids, fostering environmental responsibility and promoting social interaction, teamwork, and healthy living. Vikki Nicolai, La Crosse, WI, says encouraging sustainable gardening can help cultivate essential life skills. Following the tips above, you can help your children understand the importance of sustainable gardening and create an enriching experience.