Gardening with children

When I’m not working or spending time with my family, one of my favourite things to do is garden. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching tiny seeds grow into beautiful flowers or delicious vegetables - it never gets old. Gardening has well-known benefits for both physical and mental health, and I can honestly say I feel those benefits every time I’m out there.

Whether planting in a garden or caring for a few pots on a windowsill, gardening offers so much more than just growing plants. It creates meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and a real sense of achievement. That’s why it’s such a wonderful activity to share with children. Gardening with children isn’t just fun (and a little messy!) - it’s also a powerful, hands-on way to support their development in so many different ways.

For starters, gardening is amazing for building motor skills. Think about all the little actions involved: picking up tiny seeds, scooping soil, pouring water, or carefully placing a plant into a hole. Those small, precise movements help develop fine motor skills, which are super important for things like writing and drawing. Then there are the bigger movements - lifting watering cans, digging with a trowel, or even just squatting and standing - that help build strength and coordination. It’s basically a full-body workout disguised as play!

Then there’s the sensory side of things, which children absolutely love. Gardening is like a playground for the senses. There’s the feel of crumbly soil, the smell of fresh herbs, the bright colours of flowers, and even the taste of something they’ve grown themselves. It’s hands-on, real-world exploration that no screen can compete with. For younger children especially, this kind of sensory play helps them understand the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Gardening is also surprisingly great for helping children focus. In a world full of quick entertainment and constant distractions, gardening slows everything down. Plants don’t grow overnight (unfortunately!), so kids learn to be patient and pay attention. They have to remember to water regularly, check on their plants, and notice small changes over time. It teaches them that good things take time - and that sticking with something actually pays off.

And let’s talk about confidence, because this is a big one. There’s something really special about watching a child’s face light up when they see the first shoot pop through the soil. It’s their plant. They planted it, they cared for it, and now it’s growing. That sense of achievement can do wonders for self-esteem. Even if things don’t go perfectly (because, let’s be honest, some plants don’t make it), children still learn resilience and the idea that it’s okay to try again.

Gardening isn’t just about the plants - it’s about giving children a chance to explore, learn, and feel proud of what they’ve done. Plus, you get a few flowers or veggies out of it, which is a pretty nice bonus!!

Lou Race
Children’s Occupational Therapist