After moving from South East London to our Kent village home, creating an engaging outdoor space has become one of our family’s greatest joys. As someone who’s navigating the wonderful chaos of gardening with a two-year-old, I’ve discovered that getting little ones involved in the garden isn’t just about keeping them entertained – it’s about creating lasting memories and fostering a love for nature.
Since our daughter was born in March 2023, Steve and I have transformed our garden into what we lovingly call our ‘outdoor classroom’. Today, I’m sharing our tried-and-tested projects and tips that have actually worked for our family, hoping they’ll inspire your own garden adventures.
Safety First: Creating Your Garden Foundation
Before we dive into the fun bits, let’s talk about something that Steve (ever the practical one) insisted we sort first – safety. When you’re gardening with a toddler who puts everything in their mouth, this step is non-negotiable.
- Choose Non-Toxic Plants – We learned this the hard way when we had to relocate some beautiful but dangerous foxgloves. Now we stick to: Sunflowers (perfect for height measuring), Marigolds (brilliant for teaching colours), Snapdragons (endlessly entertaining for little fingers), Hardy herbs like mint and thyme
- Tool Selection – Child-sized tools with rounded edges, wooden rather than plastic tools (more sustainable and durable), a locked garden cabinet for adult tools (absolute necessity!)
- Ground Preparation – Clear, defined pathways (helps with boundary setting), soft mulch in play areas, rubber matting around any climbing equipment
Our Favourite Toddler-Friendly Garden Projects
- The Sensory Garden Box – This has been our daughter’s favourite addition since Steve built it last month. Here’s our setup:
• 1m x 1m wooden box (shallow enough for little arms) • Different sections containing:
- Smooth pebbles
- Soft moss
- Lamb’s ear plants
- Safe herbs
- Fine play sand
- Shells collected from beach trips
- The Rainbow Garden – Teaching colours has never been more fun! We’ve planted: Red Geraniums, Orange Calendula, Yellow Daffodils, Blue Forget-me-nots, Purple Lavender
- The Pizza Garden – Our weekend tradition now includes tending to our pizza ingredients: Cherry tomatoes in pots, Basil (in a sheltered spot), Oregano, Bell peppers and Chives
Daily Garden Activities That Actually Work
Morning Garden Routine We’ve established a simple routine that our daughter loves:
• Check the weather station
• Water the plants
• Look for new growth
• Count the flowers
The Bug Hotel – This ongoing project keeps evolving as we collect:
• Sticks from our walks
• Pinecones
• Leaves
• Empty snail shells
• Small logs
Our Weather Station – A simple but effective learning tool:
• Child-safe wind sock
• Clear rain collector
• Shadow-tracking spot
Seasonal Learning Opportunities
Spring offers countless teaching moments. Here’s what’s working for us:
- Bulb Planting – Steve’s cardboard template trick has been brilliant for teaching spacing. We use: Daffodils (nice big bulbs for little hands), Tulips and Crocus (for early spring colour)
- Seed Starting – We focus on seeds that show quick results: Broad beans against glass jars, Cress on cotton wool, Sunflower races (our daughter’s current obsession)
Tips for Successful Toddler Gardening
After countless muddy adventures, here’s what we’ve learned:
- Timing Is Everything- Keep sessions short (15-20 minutes max), Garden during high-energy times, Always have a backup indoor activity ready
- Embrace the Mess – Keep dedicated gardening clothes, Use washable shoes, Have cleaning supplies handy, Remember: dirt washes off, memories don’t!
- Make It Routine – Our daily schedule includes: Morning plant check, After-nap watering, Weekend planting sessions
The Reality of Gardening with Toddlers
Let’s be honest – some days, more water ends up on clothes than plants. Sometimes our carefully planted seeds get enthusiastically ‘replanted’ elsewhere. And yes, occasionally our daughter decides the vegetable patch is actually a mud bath.
But when I see her face light up as she pulls her first carrot, or watch her carefully water ‘her’ sunflowers, or hear her excitedly call Steve to show him a new butterfly visitor, I know we’re creating something special.
Remember, gardening with toddlers isn’t about perfect rows of vegetables or pristine flower beds. It’s about muddy hands, endless questions, and the pure joy of watching your child discover the natural world.
As Steve always says, “A messy garden is a happy garden” – and with a toddler involved, we’ve got the happiest garden in Kent! Are you gardening with little ones? I’d love to hear your experiences and tips in the comments below.
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