5 Reasons a Family Garden Should Be Your Next Project

If you’re looking for a new project that your family can do together, a family garden is the perfect way to grow together! This rewarding and educational project will offer many opportunities to connect, learn, and enjoy the outdoors. Let’s dive into some of these now.   

A Connection to Nature

Although it may seem obvious, a family garden gets your family outside and simply spending more time outdoors fosters a deeper connection to the natural world. Included among the many benefits of spending time in nature are improved mental health, a boost in happiness, improved sleep quality, and increased creativity. Your children will also be able to learn firsthand about where their food comes from. 

Health and Nutrition

There’s also something to be said about growing your own food. You are getting all the benefits of organic produce without the price tag! You are able to pick fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness, ensuring the best taste and nutritional value. This often leads to a richer and more vibrant flavor compared to store-bought items. You are also able to enjoy higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can also experiment with unique and heirloom varieties of produce not commonly found in stores. Opting for organic and natural methods of pest control and fertilization will reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals. Finally, your garden will encourage your children to have a varied and nutritious diet.

Quality Family Time

Many parents struggle to find a way to engage their kids in family time that doesn’t include technology. Gardening brings families together for a common goal while also enjoying the beauty of nature. Your family will work together to learn all that it takes to produce those yummy fruits and veggies, from planting, to weeding, to harvesting. Working together will provide bonding experiences you just can’t find on a couch. 

Environmental Responsibility

Gardening also promotes sustainable practices. Growing your own food allows for a reduction in food miles and packaging waste. Your family can also choose to begin composting within your garden. Who can say no to helping keep our earth a little bit cleaner?

Learning and Education

Any opportunity for your children to learn in a hands-on, fun way is a homerun! There are so many things your kiddos can learn from gardening, including photosynthesis, the life cycle of a plant, and different ecosystems. Your backyard will become their favorite classroom!   

Getting Started: Tips for a Family Garden

• Choose the right location: A sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily with good drainage.
• Plan your garden: Determine the size of your garden (it’s better to start small), decide on a layout of what you want to grow where, and plant what your family loves to eat!
• Choose your plants: Include the entire family in choosing easy-to-grow veggies such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, lettuce, and herbs. 
• Prepare the soil: Test your soil to find out its composition and pH. You can always use raised beds if that’s easiest!
• Gather gardening tools: Invest in basic gardening tools like a trowel, hand pruners, watering can or hose, gloves, and a rake. Make sure the tools are appropriate for your child’s age and size if they’ll be helping.
• Start with seeds OR seedlings: Follow instructions on the packages for seeds or use seedlings or transplants from a garden/nursery center.
• Maintenance: Water regularly, preferably in the morning. Include kiddos in the weeding and checking for pests.
• Be patient and have fun:  Gardening can be a lesson in patience. Not every plant will thrive, and that’s okay. It’s all part of the learning experience. Encourage your family to have fun, get dirty, and enjoy the process. Gardening is a wonderful way to bond with loved ones and connect with nature.

Feeling ready to take on a family garden yet? Embark on this rewarding journey with your loved ones and make sure to share with me about your family gardening experience! Make sure to follow us on social media @___beehealthy___ to stay up to date on the latest news and our blog.