gardening

  • CRAFTS, GARDENING, GOOD FOR NATURE, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, OUTDOOR SCHOOLS, RECIPES

    Herbalism with Kids: 5 Ways to Cultivate a Kinship with Plants

    As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a deep connection to nature. Reconnecting with the earth through herbalism is a meaningful way to teach our kids about the wonders of the natural world. Herbalism isn’t just about plants; it’s about understanding our role in the ecosystem, fostering respect for all living things, and empowering our children with the knowledge to heal and nourish themselves from the earth’s bounty. Today, Washington mom and photographer Jackleen Leed is here to show you how studying herbalism with your kids offers a hands-on way to learn about native plants, foraging safety, nutrition, and holistic health while also diving into subjects like biology, botany, chemistry, and sustainability. Plus, she’ll share tips on making herbalism engaging and fun for children, turning the great outdoors into the ultimate classroom. Let’s dig in and discover the joys of herbalism with kids, where every leaf and root holds the potential for adventure and learning.

    Herbalism with kids

    Let’s explore our kinship with the natural world and the influence that plants have on our lives (and ours on theirs!). Exploring the world of herbs with your children opens up a new dimension of learning about nature’s diverse offerings.

    A prime parenting goal of mine is raising environmentally aware children who have a sense of responsibility for the piece of Earth they inhabit. I may not always respond ideally to tantrums or hold space for my children the way I hope to, but I am determined that they grow up knowing where their food comes from, as well as the healing power of plants. With so many adults existing in a constant state of disconnect with the natural world, getting outside (and yes, even talking to plants), can shape the landscape of our children’s future adulthood for the better.

    Gardening with children is a passion of mine, but this post aims to take that further by introducing the practice of herbalism to young ones. In this post, we’ll explore why introducing children to herbalism is worthwhile and the most engaging ways to do so, from planting a garden and making herbal treats to choosing a power plant, your child’s new BFF in the garden.

    The world of herbalism is vast and welcoming, offering countless opportunities for children to learn and grow. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make herbalism accessible and enjoyable for children, no matter their age group. Incorporating nature-based activities, like growing herbs or making herbal crafts, into your routine can enrich your child’s learning experience.

    green herbs in a garden - introduction to herbalism for kids

    What is herbalism

    Herbalism is the study of the medicinal use of plants. Herbalism is an ancient practice of using plants for healing and wellness, rooted in the knowledge that nature provides us with an abundance of remedies to support our health. It’s about more than just brewing teas or making salves and essential oils. Teaching kids about simple herbal remedies, like a soothing chamomile tea, empowers them to understand the healing power of plants. Herbalism is a way of connecting with the natural world, understanding the unique properties of different plants, and learning how they can nourish our bodies and minds.

    But, knowing that plants are medicine is only just the beginning. Herbalism requires a relationship between the herbalist and the plant. Children are innately better at this than adults. They won’t hesitate to hug a tree, or whisper a wish to a dandelion.

    It may seem like a methodical approach to introducing the practice of herbalism to children is best. However, we could learn a lot by observing children’s intuitive interactions with plants in their environment. As the adults in their lives, our job is simply to spark and keep their internal flame of curiosity burning, facilitate their connection with nature, and keep them safe. 

    What is an herb?

    So, if herbalism is the study of the medicinal use of plants, then, what exactly is an herb?

    An herb is a plant or part of a plant that is valued for its medicinal, culinary, or aromatic properties. Simply put, it’s the leafy or green part of the plant (the part that isn’t the root or the bark). These plants, often rich in beneficial compounds, have been used for centuries to flavor our food, heal our bodies, and even enhance our surroundings with their scents.

    When we think of herbs, the ingredients you currently have at home in your pantry usually come to mind (e.g. lavender, rosemary, oregano, and parsley). But weeds are herbs, and herbs are most definitely weeds.

    What’s the difference between a weed and an herb?

    The only thing determining whether something is a weed or not is whether you want it where it’s growing. The difference often lies in perspective and purpose (and not necessarily the plant). A weed is typically defined as any plant that grows where it’s not wanted, often competing with cultivated plants for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. 

    On the other hand, an herb is a plant intentionally grown or harvested for its beneficial properties, whether culinary, medicinal, or aromatic purposes. However, it’s worth noting that many plants commonly labeled as weeds can also be valuable herbs. Many useful herbs are considered weeds by the multitudes. 

    For example, dandelions are often considered weeds and are mowed away. But they are actually highly nutritious and have been used in herbal medicine for centuries. So, in some cases, the difference between a weed and an herb is simply how we choose to use the plant. Unwanted dandelions are weeds; foraged dandelions are herbs.

    When you begin your journey into herbalism, you will start seeing plants differently, with a whole new purpose and lens. New things that spring up in your garden and yard become part of the adventure. You’ll start paying more attention and notice them everywhere! It’s almost like they know you’re ready for them.

    How to introduce kids to herbalism

    Studying herbalism and sharing the experience with your children also provides an amazing opportunity to learn collaboratively about native flora, foraging safety, nutrition, holistic health and well-being, biology, botany, chemistry, traditional knowledge, mindfulness, sustainability, and life cycles (among so much else!). And you can’t beat the classroom!

    So, how can we introduce herbalism to kids in an engaging way? Read on to find five fun ways that you can get kids involved in herbalism and have fun while learning! These herbal activities are perfect for kids of all ages, offering age-appropriate ways to engage with nature.

    1. Communicating with plant friends

    One effective strategy for beginning a study in herbalism is to start with one plant. Have your child choose one herb—this will be your child’s plant ally or friend. Your child will explore this plant in more depth, learning about the plant family and its characteristics, the plant’s anatomy, its life cycle, the characteristics of how the seed is dispersed, the places it likes to grow, and whether it is edible, medicinal, or both. Focusing on individual herbs, like mint or chamomile, allows kids to learn about their specific properties and medicinal uses in a hands-on way.

    Your child can choose this plant by looking at what is already growing in their yard or neighborhood, or they may choose a plant that interests them. Help them by giving them a few choices and letting them pick. Giving them a say in the study will help them feel invested. 

    Get to know your plan’s superpowers

    Did you know that each herb has a superpower?

    Framing the medicinal properties of plants this way gets instant buy-in from most kids. Working with one plant extensively to start also helps your child cultivate a relationship with that plant.

    Mindfulness activities like “sharing their breath with the plant” and listening to what the plant has to offer decrease stress, help the child “tune in” to their surroundings and their own inner voice, and foster a sense of responsibility for the environment. It’s a great way to begin any study.

    Mindfulness practices in herbalism

    Ask your child to sit with a plant, introduce themselves, and take several deep breaths while visualizing the oxygen coming from the plant on their in-breath and the carbon dioxide returning to the plant on their out-breath. Then, they can take a moment and ask the plant if it has any messages for them. They might ask the plant, “How do you grow?” or “What are you used for?”

    They should take a moment and listen silently for an answer, which may present as a picture or words in their head. When they are done, have them thank the plant. Ask your child what information they received. It’s fun for the child to exercise their intuition and deep listening in this way before more formally studying the plant from a scientific perspective.

    Some plants change the way we feel pretty quickly! For instance, lemon balm’s (Melissa officials) lemony scent is uplifting, facilitating feelings of happiness and reducing stress. Lavender’s pleasant smell can reduce anxiety and help fight insomnia (it’s a perfect addition to any dream pillow!).

    2. Grow your own herbs

    A great way to introduce your child to herbalism and encourage them to become more aware of their environment is to have them grow their own potted herb. Or, if you really want to go all in, create an entire herb garden!

    This hands-on experience allows children to see the entire life cycle of a plant, from seed to harvest, instilling a sense of responsibility and pride as they care for their own living creation. By giving your child a plant to tend, you’re not only teaching them valuable gardening skills but also fostering patience, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. They’ll learn that plants aren’t just something we see outside and herbs aren’t just something you buy at the store—they’re living beings that we can interact with, care for, and even rely on for our well-being.

    Get kids involved in the process

    Getting kids involved in the process can be as simple as letting them choose which herbs to grow, helping them plant the seeds, and encouraging them to water and observe their herbs regularly. Having your child take an active role in the process, from researching what grows best in your geographic location to selecting herbs based on their unique properties and what your family is most likely to use to planning where each herb will go, is a fantastic hands-on way to experience herbalism from seed to dinner or seed to apothecary. The benefits of this go beyond just learning about herbs; it’s an opportunity to spend quality time together as a family, working towards a common goal.

    Plus, having fresh herbs on hand can enhance your family’s meals and provide natural remedies for common ailments. I can’t count the number of times our own herb garden has enriched our family’s meal time, chased away a bad dream, or provided a cup of much-needed solace for a worn-out and overstimulated mom (yep, it’s no secret that that’s me!). Basically, planting an herb garden is great for everyone!

    3. Herbalism with kids in the kitchen 

    Speaking of dinner, cooking with herbs allows your child to experience herbs on a whole other level. When children incorporate herbs into their cooking, they begin to understand the practical applications of these plants in daily life. They see how herbs can transform the flavor of a dish, turning something simple into something extraordinary. This hands-on experience teaches them that herbs are not just plants in the garden; they are powerful ingredients that can promote health and well-being.

    If you don’t grow your own herbs, you can still cook with them! Even a simple trip to the grocery store can be an educational opportunity as you explore the individual herbs available and discuss their uses with your kids.

    Many of us become nostalgic when encountering a specific smell or taste. Maybe our grandmother was known for savory meals that were seasoned with a particular herb. The mere smell or taste can take us back to our childhood and her kitchen. Involving children in food preparation is a way to forge beautiful memories with our smallest family members. Moreover, small children thrive from sensory experiences. The smells, tastes, textures, and sounds all create a holistic learning experience and new neurological pathways.

    Ways to incorporate more herbs into your food

    There are so many fun and creative ways to incorporate more herbs into your food and meals. Creating custom tea blends with your kids is a delightful way to explore the flavors and benefits of different herbs. Making elderberry syrup together is a fantastic way to teach kids about herbal immunity boosters in a fun, hands-on way. Licorice root is a sweet herb that kids might enjoy using in homemade teas or as a natural sweetener in other herbal remedies. 

    Here are a few more ideas:

    1. Herb-infused butter: Let kids create their own flavored butters by mixing soft butter with chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or basil. They can spread it on bread, corn, or use it to top off baked potatoes.
    2. Herb ice cubes: Make ice cubes with a twist by adding fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme to water before freezing. These cubes can be added to drinks or soups for a burst of flavor.
    3. DIY herb pizza: Have kids sprinkle fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme on homemade pizzas before baking. They can experiment with different combinations to create their own signature flavors.
    4. Herbal smoothies: Blend herbs like mint or basil into fruit smoothies for a refreshing twist. Kids can try different herbs to see how they change the flavor of their favorite smoothie.
    5. Herb-infused olive oil: Help kids make their own herb-infused olive oil by placing sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or garlic in a bottle of olive oil. They can use the flavored oil for dipping bread or drizzling on salads.
    6. Herbal popcorn seasoning: Let kids create a custom popcorn seasoning by mixing dried herbs like oregano, dill, or parsley with a little sea salt. It’s a fun way to add some extra flavor to movie night!
    7. Herb-infused honey: Infuse honey with herbs like lavender or thyme to make a sweet herbal treat. Kids can drizzle the infused honey on toast or yogurt or use it to sweeten tea.
    8. Herb garden salad: Encourage kids to add fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or chives to their salads for an extra burst of flavor. They can even create their own salad dressing using these herbs for a more personalized touch.

    Herbs are a window into different cultures and traditions

    Many cultures are recognized for specific dishes and flavors (usually from herbs). Cooking with children is a way to stay in cultural traditions, connect with family members, and educate the palate! Each herb carries its own history and significance, often rooted in the culinary practices of various cultures around the world. By using herbs from different cuisines—like basil in Italian dishes, cilantro in Mexican recipes, or turmeric in Indian cooking—kids can gain an appreciation for the diversity of global food traditions.

    This exploration not only broadens their palate but also deepens their understanding of how different cultures have harnessed the power of herbs for flavor, nutrition, and healing across generations. So ask a grandparent for their favorite recipe and pay close attention to what herbs and spices are used in the dish. Then, have a hand at making it with your kids.

    4. Start with magic potions

    As children, my sister and I would spend hours crushing flower petals, mashing plants, and adding various liquids to create perfumes and potions. We stirred up mixtures of dandelion petals, grass clippings, and water, imagining that we were creating something magical. These childhood “potions” were more than just a way to pass the time—they were an early form of exploration, a way for us to interact with the natural world and let our imaginations run wild. This simple, unstructured play was our first taste of herbalism, even if we didn’t realize it at the time.

    Children love creating! And our friends (the plants) make beautiful creations. Encouraging kids to make their own garden potions can be a fun, creative activity that also serves as an introduction to the world of herbs. By gathering ingredients from the garden, they can start to recognize different plants and learn about their properties in a playful, hands-on way.

    You can guide them to use real herbs in their potions—like lavender for its calming scent, mint for its refreshing flavor, or rosemary for its invigorating aroma. This kind of play not only sparks their creativity but also lays the groundwork for understanding how herbs can be used for more than just pretend magic.

    Turning herbs into medicine

    Taking this a step further, herbs can actually be transformed into simple, real-life medicines, and kids can be a part of this process, too. Introducing medicinal herbs to your children helps them appreciate the natural alternatives for supporting their health. By learning about healing plants, children can discover how nature has been a source of medicine for centuries.

    For example, you can show them how to make a soothing herbal tea with chamomile, or how to create a lavender-infused oil to help with sleep. They can help clean, sort, and prepare plant parts for teas, herbal infusions like this mineral rich nettle infusion, infused oils like this one that’s great for delicate skin, salves, glycerites, herbal sodas, treats like this yummy marshmallow recipe, herbal sachets like this dream pillow, herbal playdough, and other crafts and gifts.

    Making these simple remedies together allows kids to see the tangible benefits of herbs and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they create something useful. Herbs are magic and they have so much to offer!

    Even the youngest child can get involved in the process. Children can gather herbs (with supervision!). They may even be inspired to draw a picture of the herbs they encounter and collect. Older children can learn to identify herbs and include information about the medicinal properties of the herbs they are drawing. This is the beginning of their very own materia medical!

    By involving them in the process—from harvesting the herbs to preparing the final product—they learn about the healing power of plants in a way that is both educational and deeply satisfying. This not only teaches them valuable skills but also instills a sense of empowerment and connection to the natural world that can last a lifetime.

    5. Herbal folklore, storytelling, & games

    Herbal lore is the body of knowledge passed down through the generations comprised of stories or folklore, cultural traditions, and historical practices involving insights into the healing powers of plants. This is a beautiful way to connect our kids to the wisdom of generations past, enriching their understanding of both plants and the cultures that have cherished them.

    As humans, we’re naturally drawn to stories, and herbal lore offers a treasure trove of tales that blend the magical with the medicinal, making the learning process both engaging and memorable. By sharing these stories, we help our children see plants not just as greenery in the garden, but as living entities with histories, personalities, and powers that have been respected and utilized for centuries. Sharing bits of lore about different herbs adds an element of magic and storytelling, making the learning process more engaging and memorable for kids.

    Storytelling where herbs become characters

    Teaching kids about herbal lore can be as simple as telling them a bedtime story about how ancient healers used yarrow to treat wounds on the battlefield or how rosemary was believed to bring good luck and protection. These stories give context to the plants they see every day, turning ordinary herbs into characters. As we weave these tales, we can also introduce cultural practices, such as how different communities celebrate harvest festivals or use herbs in traditional remedies, deepening their appreciation for diverse cultures and their connection to nature. It’s also a more effective way for children to learn. One of my favorite herbal books for kids includes a story for each of the plant profiles in the book. It’s a lovely way to dig deeper into herbalism.

    By sharing these stories, we’re preserving valuable cultural knowledge and instilling in our children a sense of responsibility to carry these traditions forward. They learn that herbalism is not just about using plants for healing; it’s about honoring the knowledge that has been carefully passed down through generations and understanding their role in continuing that legacy.

    Herbal fun and games

    The plant world is full of wonders, and herbalism offers a fun gateway for kids to explore its richness and diversity. Games also make the learning process fun! This herbal game similar to candy land is cooperative and teaches children 25 important edible and medicinal plants and their uses in first aid situations.

    If you want to make up your own game to help kids learn about herbs, here are a few ideas:

    • Herb Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of common herbs found in your garden or local area and send kids on a scavenger hunt to find them. To make the game more educational, you can include clues or descriptions of the herbs’ properties. For example, “Find the herb that smells like lemons and is known for its calming properties” (lemon balm). This game helps children learn to identify herbs by sight, smell, and even touch.
    • Herbal Bingo: Make bingo cards featuring different herbs and their uses. As you explore the garden or a nature walk, kids can mark off herbs they spot. You can also include activities on the bingo card, such as “Make a herbal tea” or “Smell an herb with a minty scent.” This game encourages kids to observe and interact with herbs in a fun way.
    • Herb Matching Game: Create a set of cards with pictures of herbs on one side and their names or uses on the other. Kids can play a matching game where they pair the picture with the correct name or use. This helps with memory and reinforces their knowledge of different herbs.

    For additional inspiration and online resources, check out the Herbal Roots Zine. It’s a colorful compendium of crafts, poems, art, and stories that can further enrich your child’s herbal journey.

    Safety when practicing herbalism with kids

    When practicing herbalism with kids, safety is extremely important. It’s imperative that we teach children that not all plants are safe to touch, taste, or use. Yes, plants are wonderful and have many healing powers, so it can be easy to forget that there are toxic ones, too. Couple that with the fact that some safe plants can have noxious look-alikes (e.g., cow parsnip and poison hemlock), and accidents with devastating results can occur. Some plants can be toxic or cause allergic reactions.

    Proper identification of herbs

    Learning to identify and use wild plants safely can be a thrilling adventure for children, helping them connect with the natural world around them. It’s vital to exercise an abundance of caution when working with both new and familiar plants. Proper plant identification is crucial. This doesn’t mean depending on a phone app, either. Experienced adults and reliable references are your best bet when identifying plants in your environment. Always supervise young children during foraging or gardening activities, and emphasize the importance of asking an adult before picking or using any plant.

    Proper handling, preparation and consumption of herbs

    Additionally, when introducing herbs for consumption or topical use, start with small amounts to monitor for any adverse reactions, particularly if your child has known allergies or sensitivities.

    Most of us know to avoid plants like poison ivy, but even “safe” plants can cause side effects if used in the wrong quantity, by the wrong person, or not properly prepared. For instance, certain herbs can interact negatively with medications, either increasing or decreasing the medication’s potency.

    Also, useful herbs like stinging nettle, can cause painful skin reactions when the wildcrafter is not wearing protective clothes or gloves. Likewise, the small hairs that contain formic acid (the same chemical in ant saliva!) can cause burns and painful rashes if it isn’t dried thoroughly or simmered/boiled for a long time before consuming. After inadvertently rubbing up against nettle, it’s helpful to know what dock looks like. The sap in the dock leaf contains an antihistamine that soothes nettle stings. And it’s usually conveniently growing nearby!

    Sustainability and herbalism 

    Sustainability is another essential consideration when practicing herbalism with kids. In this context, sustainability is the use of plants at a rate that doesn’t lead to long-term decline in botanical biodiversity. This is important because over-harvesting plant populations can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems and directly affect the wildlife that depend on those plants for food and shelter. Over-harvesting and exploitation also reduces the availability of herbal resources for future generations and can drive some plants to the brink of extinction.

    It’s important to teach proper foraging techniques that don’t harm the plant. Encourage kids to only take what they need and to leave plenty behind for wildlife and future growth. Sustainable wildcrafting respects and honors the relationship between people and plants in indigenous and local cultures. “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a beautiful book exploring these reciprocal relationships with wise words for how we can live in harmony with the other living beings around us.

    By focusing on safety and sustainability, you’re not only protecting your children and the environment but also instilling values that will guide their relationship with nature for years to come. Herbalism offers a wonderful way to connect with the earth, and when done responsibly, it can foster a deep respect for the natural world and a commitment to preserving it for future generations. This mindful approach ensures that your children will grow up understanding the balance between utilizing the gifts of nature and caring for the planet that provides them.

    Herbalism and kids

    Introducing children to herbalism is not just about learning about plants, it fosters a deeper connection to nature, promotes holistic wellness, and cultivates responsible children who care about sustainability. Through simple activities like growing a potted herb, making garden potions, or cooking with fresh herbs, we’re creating memories and lessons that will stay with them forever. Whether you’re working with toddlers or teenagers, these herbalism activities are designed for children of all ages to enjoy and learn. 

    Herbalism offers a powerful way to enrich our families’ lives, not only by harnessing the healing powers of plants but also by nurturing a deeper understanding of our place in the natural world. There’s no better way to introduce your children to herbalism than by involving them in the process of growing, harvesting, and using herbs in everyday life. By engaging in herbal study and activities, children grow to be the environmental stewards that our planet needs.  And by practicing herbalism safely and sustainably, we’re ensuring that this knowledge will continue to grow and flourish, just like the herbs in our gardens, for many generations to come.

    About the author

    Jackie grew up in central Pennsylvania but is currently enjoying island life in the Salish Sea with her two teens, a pre-schooler, and identical twin baby girls. She specializes in soul-centered outdoor elopements on wild pieces of Earth, as well as soulful, nostalgic, and cozy storytelling photography for families wishing to reconnect with the Earth and with each other.

    Jackie is a former forest preschool teacher with a Ph.D. in developmental psychology who whole-heartedly believes that Reginald Horace Blythe was right when uttering the words “Mud is the most poetical thing in the world,” and loves to spend her time in the thick of nature, usually with bare feet. Her greenhouse is her happy place. She also believes that children are big philosophers in little bodies and that we would all be better off walking through life as they do, with our eyes, ears, and hearts open to it all. To that end, she wishes to share photography as a means to live more fully and intentionally in each moment and in nature. Mostly, she just wants her children to grow up with a sense of wonder, to wander, and to have a strong passion for protecting this planet.

    You can find more from Jackie in the following locations:
    Instagram: @raising_little_naturalists
    Websites: Wild Kin Wandering and Earthwise Mothering
    RWMC posts: Jackleen Leed

  • BOOKS, FARM, GARDENING, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    The Ultimate Guide to Gardening with Kids

    There’s something truly magical about watching a child’s eyes light up as they witness the first sprout of a seed they planted, or the joy on their face when they pluck a ripe tomato from a vine they nurtured. Gardening with kids is not just a pastime; it’s a journey filled with wonder, discovery, and invaluable life lessons. Today, Jackleen Leed, PNW photographer and mom, is here to talk about introducing children to the art of gardening in this comprehensive gardening guide. From finding the perfect garden location to creating whimsical hideaways, this blog post is your comprehensive guide to making the experience of gardening with kids truly magical. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a novice gardener, join us as we delve into the secrets of cultivating not just plants but also a lifelong love for nature and the outdoors in the hearts of your young ones.

    The ultimate guide to gardening with kids

    “Mud is the most poetical thing in the world.” ~ Reginald Horace Blythe

    Gardening with kids for connection

    Gardening with kids is a wonderful way for families to cultivate a deep connection with natural spaces that are well within reach. Children, like plants, need sunshine, rain, fresh air, and mud to thrive. By spending time with them digging in the dirt, placing seeds just so, and observing their growth, children learn a sense of responsibility for a piece of Earth they call their own.

    Children who grow up connected to and feeling responsible for nature become stewards of the planet. Gardening is a great way to establish that connection. It’s also an amazing time for kids to connect with their big people.

    And let’s face it, children aren’t the only ones suffering from nature deficit disorder. We could all use a little more time outside nurturing plants and nurturing our own souls. 

    Climbing and swinging help build trunk strength and are fun backyard garden activities to include when gardening with kids.
    Climbing and swinging helps build trunk strength and are fun backyard activities to include when gardening with kids.

    Benefits of gardening with kids

    There are loads of benefits to getting kids in the garden beyond taking in the ample fresh air. Kids learn through experiencing the world around them. Botany, zoology, ecology, and environmental science are much more effectively taught in the garden than behind a school desk. It’s incredible how sophisticated our little learners can be when the learning is done in the correct context.  

    Child health and physical development

    Children who learn to grow their food are much more likely to eat it, as well. Have a picky eater? Get them to grow something and watch their innate curiosity trump their skepticism of all things green. But, the health benefits go beyond the dinner plate.

    Our bodies move differently in wide-open spaces. Children develop best when learning to navigate unstructured environments like those that can only be provided by the outdoors. Swinging and climbing build strong trunks. Balance is fostered by log hopping. Raking and digging yield upper body strength. 

    Perhaps best of all, time spent outdoors is not time spent behind a screen or *cough* time spent fighting about being behind a screen. 

    Child hopping on tree trunks in backyard garden.
    Log hopping is great exercise, and logs add a little whimsy to an outdoor garden space.

    Problem-solving and life skills learned through gardening

    Gardening teaches life skills. There isn’t a gardener in the world who hasn’t at least once in their life encountered a problem that needed solving. Gardening with children teaches problem-solving, teamwork, observation skills, and organization. 

    Kids encounter various challenges in the garden, from dealing with pests and diseases to deciding on the right amount of water and sunlight for their plants. These challenges require them to think critically, come up with solutions, and adapt their strategies as needed.  Additionally, gardening teaches kids the value of teamwork. Whether they are gardening with family members, classmates, or friends, they must collaborate to achieve common goals. Tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting require coordination and cooperation. Working together in the garden not only fosters a sense of shared responsibility but also helps kids understand the significance of teamwork in achieving success.

    Gardening teaches patience 

    Want your child to grow up to be successful? Have them grow alongside a garden!

    Foundational research at Stanford by Walter Mischel and colleagues has shown that the ability to delay gratification is strongly correlated with success later in life. All gardeners know that gardening requires patience and persistence. You can nurture your child’s ability to delay gratification, and they will reap the benefits throughout their entire lifetime through gardening. 

    The ultimate guide to gardening with kids - child goes down sliding board in garden.
    Adding a sliding board to a raised bed can go a long way in increasing the fun factor!

    The ultimate guide to gardening with kids

    Have I persuaded you to get outside with your kids? Leave perfection at the door (there’s no place for it when kids are involved). Just get messy and have fun. You may even learn a thing or two along the way! 

    But just in case you aren’t sure where to begin, here’s a guide about all the ins and outs of gardening with the little ones in your life. You’ll learn how to add whimsy and magic to outdoor spaces, how to design garden spaces with kids in mind, basic gardening know-how (e.g., finding your zone, choosing plants that will grow, soil preparation, and all about compost), teaching moments that can be had along the way (STEM in the garden anyone?), and arts and crafts for the colder winter months (you can take a gardener out of the garden, but…). 

    So let’s dig in, get dirty, and grow something.  

    Select a garden spot and get started 

    The right garden space can make or break a garden. That said, gardening can be accomplished nearly anywhere and everywhere. I’ve had tiny balcony gardens in the heat of Arizona, to raised beds in the Pacific Northwest. I rarely have the perfect South-facing plot with amazing sun and good drainage.

    If you have a spot like that, by all means, get digging, but don’t let a lack of the “ideal” spot stop your gardening dreams from being realized. Truth be told, plants are tough and life finds a way. Plus, a good deal of the fun with gardening comes from experimenting and observing the results. You may be surprised, and that learning will not be lost in next year’s garden.

    Companies like Vego Garden make modular raised beds that can be configured in loads of different ways. This gives so much more flexibility for garden spaces that are tight or awkwardly shaped. They even have kids’ beds and in-ground worm composters to add the good stuff back into your soil. They get bonus points for being so beautiful!

    Garden guide for parents - Boy examines cosmo flower at a vego garden bed.
    Modular beds grant extra flexibility in the garden space. Of course, don’t expect squash to be contained by anything unless you’re growing vertically.

    Consider hardiness zones

    When choosing the right spot for your garden, keep some basics in mind. For instance, you can find your hardiness zone here. Use your hardiness zone to choose plants that can survive year-round in your area. Hardiness zones are most important with perennial plants, though, as many plants that you place in a spring or summer garden shouldn’t be expected to survive the winter months. Still, it’s nice to have some plants come back year after year! Using native plants is also a safe bet, as native plants have already evolved to thrive in their respective environments. 

    Growing seasons

    When choosing annual plants, like many of the vegetables that grow in summer gardens, you’ll want to pay attention to your area’s growing season. That is the length between the typical dates of the first and last frosts. Use these as a guideline for what you can grow, as each plant has a number of days from the time the seed is planted before it can be harvested (you can usually find this right on the seed packet). If your growing season isn’t long enough, you’ll never get to harvest before the first frost sets in. Don’t let all the charts keep you from taking chances or experimenting, though! So much of gardening is learned only through trial and error. 

    Accessible spaces for children

    Probably the most important factor to consider when choosing the right spot for your garden is ensuring that your garden space is accessible to your children. Involving them in selecting the growing space gets immediate buy-in from them and sparks enthusiasm for the project. 

    Gardening guide for parents - Child holding child-sized rake inside greenhouse.
    Keep your garden accessible to children, and everyone will reap the benefits.

    Getting kids involved in plant selection

    Consulting kids about what to garden is as important as where to garden. Beyond hardiness zones and growing seasons, certain plants are better than others at keeping kids engaged. For example, creating a foraging garden that includes plants that are good for grazing, like snap peas and cherry tomatoes, as well as herbs like mint and superfoods like moringa, encourages children to sample what they’ve grown and gets them excited about the prospect of harvesting. Let your kids each pick a type of plant to try growing. They’ll be much more invested in the outcome (and likely to eat it), if they were involved in the process.

    Afraid your thumb isn’t green enough, but want an easy win? This post will give you a great start with five veggies that are easy for kids to grow.

    Consider creating theme gardens 

    Theme gardens can be a lot of fun. Below are some examples of types of gardens your child might be interested in growing.

    Pizza garden 

    What kid doesn’t love pizza? Have them grow their very own toppings and watch their green thumbs and their palate take off. Pizza gardens might include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, onions, garlic, artichokes, spinach, basil, and oregano. 

    Salsa garden

    Salsa is my favorite food group so this one might be more for me than my kiddo. A salsa garden might include cilantro, garlic, hot pepper, onion, sweet bell pepper, tomatillo, and tomato. 

    Soup garden

    Soup gardens are great for when the seasons start to change. Luckily, most of the contents are ready to harvest just when you might be craving a hot pot of it on the stovetop. A basic soup garden may contain garlic (basically every garden contains garlic), green beans, kale, chard, sweet corn, potatoes, onions, winter or summer squash.

    Salad garden

    Want your kids to eat the green stuff? Have them grow it! Salad gardens may contain beets, carrots (root veggies are especially fun to harvest since it’s like digging for buried treasure!), cucumber, lettuce, nasturtium (pretty edible flowers make magical fairy salads), radish, spinach, sweet bell peppers, and tomatoes.  

    Creating a themed garden for kids and examples of types of gardens your child might be interested in growing. Here a child tends to a small balcony garden.
    Gardening with kids can take place in all kinds of spaces. Here a child tends to a small balcony garden.

    Three Sisters garden

    This is a great garden to grow and can be coupled with storytelling!  Corn, beans, and squash are known as the Three Sisters and are central to Native American agriculture and folklore.  The corn provides tall stalks for the beans to climb.  Beans, like other legumes, are nitrogen-fixers adding it to the soil. The squash plants grow as a ground cover, keeping the soil moist and controlling weeds. All three store well and can be used as food year-round. The book “In the Three Sisters Garden” by JoAnne Dennee contains some beautiful stories to pair with planting a Three Sisters garden.

    In the Haudenosaunee tradition, all three types of seeds were planted together in a mound. Planting a Three Sisters garden is a great introduction to companion planting, which is when plants are grown near together for the benefit of one or more. Companion planting can be a natural way of pest control, can help plants grow bigger and stronger and increase pollination, and can even make certain fruits and vegetables taste better. Here’s a great resource to learn more.

    Potion garden

    This one is as useful as it is magical. Your little witchlings will appreciate a space where they can harvest ingredients for any magic they may be conjuring. And you’ll be able to create an apothecary for your family at the same time. Some great medicinal plants to include are calendula, chamomile, comfrey, horehound, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, and sage. Lemon balm and lavender make a child-friendly and soothing tea to have before bed. Calendula is amazing at healing diaper rash and other minor skin irritations.  

    A butterfly or pollinator garden

    Vegetables shouldn’t have all the fun! Creating a garden with pollinator-friendly plants will increase the presence of beneficial insects in your yard and garden space. A pollinator garden is also great for any fruits and veggies that you do have planted, as it attracts pollinators to your yard where they can find your vegetables and pollinate those as well.

    But, pollinator gardens are fun in their own right. Butterflies are beautiful and honey and bumble bees are fun to watch. Kids love observing insects. This is a great opportunity to witness an entire life cycle in the backyard! Hummingbirds may even stop by. Most of all, creating a pollinator garden helps creatures that we depend on by giving them a safe food source.  

    This calendula patch is perfect for creating soothing ointments and yields ample ingredients for kids' potion making.
    This calendula patch is perfect for creating soothing ointments and yields ample ingredients for kids’ potion-making.

    Soil preparation

    Preparing the soil is a crucial step when gardening and sets the foundation for a successful and enjoyable experience. Well-prepped soil provides the necessary nutrients, aeration, and drainage that plants need to thrive, offering children the opportunity to witness the direct correlation between soil health and plant growth. Moreover, involving kids in the soil preparation process is a valuable educational experience, as they learn about the importance of soil composition, organic matter, and pH levels, all of which are fundamental concepts in the world of agriculture and environmental science.

    Composting

    Gardens need nutrients, and that’s where composting comes in! Kids are inherently interested in the transformation of things. Teaching kids about compost is a great way to capitalize on these interests. Start by setting aside a second compost bin next to yours that is just for them. They can add their own food scraps to it and observe how it changes over time. Your little scientists may even want to record their observations.  

    Kids love playing in the dirt, and will likely be equally as fascinated in the process of how dirt comes to be. Try a composting experiment to bring the transformation front and center. Replicate a small compost pile inside a plastic bottle to create a compost soilarium (instructions can be found here).

    Here’s a fantastic list of children’s books all about composting to read more. 

    Build a worm farm

    Want to take composting and your garden’s health a step further? Consider creating a worm farm! The only thing that kids may love more than dirt are the things they find in it, including wriggly worms. And the worm castings they create are amazing soil amendments. All you need is a plastic storage container with a lid and some basic things that can be found around the house. 

    Drill 10 or so small holes in the sides and bottom of the container. The holes allow air in and excess moisture out. Worms like to be moist, but not soaking. Make sure to cover the holes with a screen so your worms don’t get out. Fill the container halfway with strips of newspaper (children can cut the paper into strips), which serve as a comfy bed (and a snack) for your worms. Moisten the newspaper with a spray bottle. Add red wriggler worms.

    Add food scraps to the newspaper (fruit and veggie peels, coffee grounds, pasta, tea bags, and foliage trimmed from the garden make great additions, but don’t add dairy, oil, or meat). Place the bin on a tray or pan in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Add food and check on it regularly. 

    Eventually, worm castings will start to build up, though it can take a while. Once you have enough castings, use a spoon to scoop them out and add them to the soil around the plants in the garden. An indoor worm bin (using red wrigglers) can be started at any time of year and is a great winter activity to get soil amendments ready for use in spring and summer planting.  

    Create a soil horizon

    Learn about the native soil in the areas you wish to plant by doing this educational activity with your kids. Creating a soil horizon provides information on how often you will need to water your garden and what kind of plants will grow best there. It’s also super easy!

    All you need is a glass quart-sized jar with a lid, a hand trowel, soil, water, and a soil-type chart for making observations and comparisons. 

    Start by filling the jar 2/3 full with water. Take a soil sample using the trowel to remove the top inch of soil from a small area where your future garden will live, then dig out soil from underneath and fill half the jar with soil, topping it off with water. Seal the jar and have your kids take turns shaking it vigorously. Then place it somewhere it won’t be disturbed for at least 24 hours. 

    Encourage your kids to peek at it every once in a while and to observe any changes while using their eyes and not their hands. After 24 hours, you should see different layers of soil at the bottom of the jar. The very bottom layer is sand, with silt on top, and clay on top of that. Compare your soil horizon to a soil chart to identify what kind of soil you have in your garden. Feel free to repeat this experiment in other areas of your yard, or wherever you wish to grow something. 

    Child giving new seedlings a drink with the watering can. - Tips for getting kids involved in garden tasks
    Having kids water plants is a great way to involve them in age-appropriate garden tasks.

    Getting kids involved in garden tasks

    Involve children in soil preparation by having them use their tools to loosen it, adding their own compost for nutrients, and creating holes where tiny seeds will go. Guide them in planting seeds at the right depth and spacing, but don’t be a perfectionist about it!

    If you are transplanting seedlings, teach them to be gentle with the plants. Let them give the plants a drink and encourage them to monitor their growth on a regular basis.

    The best way to avoid garden pests is to catch and remove them early, and little gardeners can use their eagle eyes to find them. Introduce ladybugs in the garden to naturally control pests like aphids. Planting flowers for pollinators and parasitic wasps can also control pest populations naturally.  

    Connecting with nature

    Remember that one of the overarching goals of getting children in the garden is to cultivate a connection with and stewardship of nature. Choose garden chores that align with specific children’s ages and guide them as they take on new skills. But leave lots of room for unstructured play in the garden.

    All work and no play will result in your child quickly losing interest. Kids were created to play and this medium fosters the most effective learning. So incorporate plants that can handle some foot traffic in play areas. Use borders to protect delicate saplings and to remind your own little saplings where their feet belong. And let loose in the garden a bit. Gardening is supposed to be a stress reliever after all! 

    Quiet your inner gardener and let your child guide you in taking chances. I let Remy plant any seeds or seedlings he wanted to in his plot. Some of the seedlings looked quite scraggly (which is why they didn’t make it into my raised beds), but low and behold, they all took off when he got them into the ground. So take some chances and quiet the critical gardener who “knows best.”

    A lightweight child-sized garden rake is perfect when little hands need to push mulch and soil.
    A lightweight child-sized garden rake is perfect when little hands need to push mulch and soil.

    Adding whimsy and magic to your outdoor garden space 

    Adding a touch of whimsy and magic to outdoor spaces can transform them into inviting realms for children to play and explore. Incorporating elements like colorful, oversized garden ornaments, fairy lights, and hidden nooks can stimulate their imagination and create a sense of wonder. Enchanting pathways, secret garden doors, and miniature fairy houses can turn a simple garden into an enchanting world where kids can embark on exciting adventures and imaginative quests. These elements not only encourage outdoor play but also foster creativity and a deep appreciation for the natural world, allowing children to connect with the magic of nature in their own backyard.

    All things mud

     If your child loves to dig (*enthusiastically raises hand*), create a digging-only bed where they can dig and play in the mud without harming seedlings. Add some earth mover toys and a pile of rocks and sticks for additional textures and to create mud gnome homes (note:  larger rocks are better for staying out of little mouths).

    A mud kitchen is a great place to mix potions and make mud pies. Check out the book “Mud Pies and Other Recipes” by Marjorie Winslow for inspiration. Encourage your little ones to build fairy houses with natural objects so the pixies will help care for the garden.  

    A child playing with mud and water in an outdoor mud kitchen.
    Mud kitchens allow kids to make messes in all the right places!

    Places to hide

    Incorporating living structures like squash tunnels, sunflower houses, and bean teepees into your garden can transform it into a captivating and imaginative haven for children. These living structures not only add a sense of enchantment to the garden but also provide fun places to hide, play, or curl up with a book. Squash tunnels create cozy hideaways where kids can explore the lush foliage and vibrant blooms while staying shaded from the sun. Sunflower houses offer a natural, sun-dappled retreat where young readers can immerse themselves in books amidst towering, sunflower walls. Bean teepees, with their climbing vines and leafy canopies, provide secret alcoves for imaginative play and offer a sense of seclusion within the garden’s green embrace. These living structures not only inspire a love for gardening but also nurture a child’s sense of adventure and wonder in the great outdoors.

    Creature features

    Include bird houses, bat boxes, feeders, and bee baths for lots of creature viewing and additional connecting with nature. You may wish to create a sit spot where your child can engage in the mindful practice of sitting quietly and observing. Have them select the spot, but it should be in a location that is good for observing nature with varied and interesting things to watch. Your child can return to the same spot as frequently as desired and note how wildlife changes throughout the year. This is a great practice to couple with nature journaling.   

    Child counts pumpkins growing on squash tunnel in children's garden.
    Squash tunnels are space-efficient and a fun place for kids to hide.

    Garden safety tips for kids

    Don’t forget about safety! Always supervise children when they are in the garden, especially younger ones. Keep a close eye on them to prevent accidents and ensure they are following safety guidelines.

    Teach kids how to use garden tools properly. Better yet, invest in small, lightweight child-sized versions of trowels, rakes, and watering cans to make gardening more fun and to get your kids invested as well. Ensure that any chemicals or fertilizers are stored out of their reach. This is a great time to go over proper hand washing, too. 

    And finally, teach children not to touch or ingest any plants without your guidance. Some plants can be toxic if ingested or cause skin irritation upon contact. Familiarize yourself with the plants in your garden and educate your children about any potential hazards.

    The ultimate gardening guide for gardening with kids - Child inspects a sunflower.
    Sunflowers are beloved by children and pollinators alike!

    Garden arts and crafts 

    Crafts are a great way for your artsy child to put their mark on their garden. Have your child plant seeds in the shape of a design in the garden and watch their artwork literally come to life!

    Let your child paint the sign for their garden to instill a sense of pride and ownership. Kids can create plant markers by painting river stones. Garden games can also be created with the use of river stones and acrylic paint. For instance, paint rocks as ladybugs and bumble bees for a fun game of tic tac toe on a tree stump.

    When it’s especially cold and wet outside, inside garden crafts abound. Create mosaics by using a piece of cardboard, some glue, and some randomly- (or carefully-) placed seeds of different shapes, colors, and sizes. Envelopes can be decorated and labeled to collect seeds from the garden for planting the following year.

    During the winter months, your budding artist can create a plant collage using an old seed catalog, scissors, glue, and poster board, to use while planning and dreaming up spring’s garden.

    Child studying seeds during homeschool lesson.
    Seed mosaics and garden-themed books bring the outdoor learning inside when the weather is inclement.

    Live your garden

    Weave gardening into your everyday life, much like brushing your teeth. Collect some flowers for a small vase on your child’s play table. Let them pick the lettuce that will go on the sandwiches you make for lunch. Grow a pumpkin that will be carved for Halloween or made into a pie at Thanksgiving. Create a pizza garden that is utilized on Friday movie nights. When the garden is dormant in the wintertime, spend that time cozy in front of the fire with a seed catalogue dreaming about what will go in your plots in the spring. Have a garden party. Find garden-themed books and read them all year long (this list has some amazing titles, as does this one). 

    Focus on your child’s passion and let them do some leading. What is their favorite thing to eat? Grow that! And don’t forget the very little ones.  Just being alongside you in the garden is enough to feed their interest for the coming years as their abilities allow them to participate more and more. It’s never too early to start!

    Above all else, get outside, nurture, and be nurtured. 

    comprehensive gardening guide for parent - Twin infant girls exploring lichen on a log.
    Little hands love new textures and gardens provide all that and more!

    Do you garden with your kids?

    About the author

    Jackie grew up in central Pennsylvania but is currently enjoying island life in the Salish Sea with her two teens, a pre-schooler, and identical twin baby girls. She specializes in soul-centered outdoor elopements on wild pieces of Earth, as well as soulful, nostalgic, and cozy storytelling photography for families wishing to reconnect with the Earth and with each other.

    Jackie is a former forest preschool teacher with a Ph.D. in developmental psychology who whole-heartedly believes that Reginald Horace Blythe was right when uttering the words “Mud is the most poetical thing in the world,” and loves to spend her time in the thick of nature, usually with bare feet. Her greenhouse is her happy place. She also believes that children are big philosophers in little bodies and that we would all be better off walking through life as they do, with our eyes, ears, and hearts open to it all. To that end, she wishes to share photography as a means to live more fully and intentionally in each moment and in nature. Mostly, she just wants her children to grow up with a sense of wonder, to wander, and to have a strong passion for protecting this planet.

    You can find more from Jackie in the following locations:
    Instagram: @raising_little_naturalists
    Websites: Wild Kin Wandering and Earthwise Mothering
    RWMC posts: Jackleen Leed

  • GARDENING, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING

    Starting an Outdoor Herb Garden with Your Kids

    No food tastes quite as amazing as food that you grow yourself in your own garden. Whether you’re growing a large garden plot full of vegetables or a couple of small containers of herbs, there’s something magical about growing your own food and herbs. And, of course, kids can help out and learn to appreciate the joy of gardening as well. Today, Lauren Cain, Texas homeschooling mom of three, is here sharing her family’s experience with starting and growing an outdoor herb garden. She’ll walk you through the process of prepping your soil, choosing your plants, and how to get the kids involved in the whole process. Happy gardening! 

    Growing herbs with kids

    There’s something about spring that seems to give even the brownest of thumbs the urge to put a seed in the earth and watch it slowly flourish. I am one of those brown thumbs, both literally and figuratively, who has attempted repeatedly to plant herbs and vegetables only for them to reach their inevitable untimely death weeks later. But this year is different! We’re determined to start and grow an herb garden!

    Kids are intrigued by planting seeds. But, because the process of getting to the finished plant can be a long one, kids’ interest wanes fairly quickly. The difficult part for me, and so many would-be gardeners, has always been that my seedlings could never really get far beyond the sprouting phase. So, this year I decided to try something new. Today, I am going to show you the easiest way, in my opinion, to start a garden with your kids that will immediately garner their excitement. I will also share what I have learned through this process which has allowed our garden to flourish and reap a harvest.

    Start with plants

    I wholeheartedly believe that our garden’s success is largely due to the fact that we did not start it with seeds this year. As I mentioned earlier, our previous attempts growing an herb garden from seeds never made it past the sprouting phase. Some of you may have had more luck than us with seeds, but if you want to guarantee that your plants will at least get the “plant” stage, skip the seeds. 

    This year, instead of purchasing seeds, I visited our local Home Depot to purchase a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruit plants that were already growing strong. I felt confident because the plants at the store were already eons ahead of any of the seeds that I’ve ever planted! They had roots and strong stems and leaves, oh my! 

    My kids were also ecstatic because they were looking at live plants from the beginning and not simply seeds covered by dirt. You can get your kids involved even at this stage by having them choose the plants they want to grow. After all, it is their garden as well. We settled on tomatoes, bell pepper, squash, cucumber, strawberries, sweet onions, sage, mint, rosemary, chives, fennel, thyme, and basil. While transplants are notorious for being more expensive than a packet of seeds, there are a lot of benefits to using them. The benefits of planting transplants are:

    • They mature sooner than if you had planted seeds, which means an earlier harvest.
    • They save time and are ready to go into the soil immediately.
    • The transplanted plants have stronger root systems which make them less vulnerable to weather conditions.

    Choose your plants wisely

    When choosing which plants to have in your garden, I would highly suggest researching plant compatibility. Basically, you need to make sure that your plants will be friends and not foes to each other. This was something that I almost learned the hard way when I planted 2 mint plants smack dab in the middle of my garden bed. If you’re a newbie gardener, you’re probably thinking, “what’s the big deal?” Well, mint is an aggressive plant that has the power to take over your garden completely. Yikes! Luckily, I was made aware of my mistake and quickly replanted the mint in a pot before its roots had a chance to take hold.

    While you might not want mint in your garden bed, there are other plants that are highly compatible and beneficial when planted next to each other. For example, if you are planting tomatoes, you should also plant basil nearby. Basil repels insects that can harm tomato plants and can also improve yield.Tilling the soil

    Get the kids involved

    My kids were happy to see the live plants, but even more so at the fact that it meant we were going to be elbow-deep in dirt! We inherited a semi-raised bed in our backyard from previous owners, but it was in serious need of some TLC. So, armed with shovels and garden forks, my kids, husband, mom, and I got to work making the soil perfect for our new transplants.

    The great thing about gardening is that it is an incredible learning opportunity for kids that is also really fun. My kids have been fascinated with the garden every step of the way. They were surprisingly excellent help with prepping the soil and especially enjoyed helping to pull the weeds out of the garden bed.

    Choosing the right containers

    Keep in mind that your transplants will not necessarily have to be planted in the ground. If you’re tight on space or simply don’t want to plant in the ground, you could also use pots or large stand-alone raised garden beds. The majority of the plants in our garden are in the ground. However, some of our herbs are potted in containers, which we can move around to give them exactly what they need. A little bit of research on each plant to help you determine if it’s well-suited for containers or should be planted directly in the ground.

    Prepping your garden and soil

    When you’re ready to start planting, there are a few things that you’ll need to have on hand and few things to do to your soil to ensure your plants have the best growing environment. Here are some things that you will need to get started on the right foot:

    • Shovel
    • Garden fork (if you are planting in the ground, this will help to turn over the soil)
    • Garden soil  (not just for potted plants; we added bags of soil to our garden bed for enrichment)
    • Hose or watering cans
    • Fertilizer (optional)

    These items can be purchased at your local nursery or hardware store. I also found a great selection of smaller gardening tools for my kids at DollarTree. The first step was tilling the dirt in the garden to break up all the hard-packed soil. Next, we added 6 large bags of potting soil to the existing dirt, to add additional nutrients and balance the composition of the soil. You can also add compost to your soil.

    Gardening is a team sport

    Once your soil is prepped, it’s time to figure out where each plant will go in the garden. The plant info should tell you how much space the plant will need, so you know how far apart to space out each plant to give it plenty of room to flourish without overtaking the nearby plants. Finally, you are ready to plant your transplants.

    If there’s one thing that I have learned through this entire experience, is that gardening is a team effort. In planting our transplants, I thoroughly enjoyed working together with my 3-year-old and 5-year-old as we dug holes in the earth deep enough for our plants and gently covered the roots with dirt. It was a joy to see their independence and focus as they took ownership of their work. Don’t be afraid to get your kids involved with each step in this process. The great thing about transplants, is that they are strong. Even if they don’t seem to be “perfectly” planted, the roots will take hold. Transplants in the Ground

    H2O and let it grow

    After the transplants have been planted, the hard work is nearly over. Now you just have to maintain, feed, water, weed, and be patient. Be sure to research how much water your plants will need to ensure they not only stay alive but thrive. We have been watering our garden with tap water from the hose in the backyard, which has worked out fine. You could also gather and store rainwater for your garden, but that’s a whole other process and post.

    I have learned that it is best to water your garden in the evening when temperatures are a bit cooler, rather than in the middle of the day. Watering our garden is an activity that can be handed off almost completely to your children (if they enjoy it). My kids love getting the hose and watering cans out and taking care of the garden each evening. We also take some time to discuss the changes that can be seen happening right before our eyes! It’s so much fun to see them notice the plants getting bigger each day and being observant of how their efforts are paying off. 

    Herb garden maintenance  

    Watering will likely not be all that you need to do to keep your garden healthy. Most edible plants will need to be pruned or trimmed. This is done to increase growth and yield, and it is necessary for the overall wellness of the plant. Depending on the transplants that you have, you will need to research how to prune your plant properly. You may also need/choose to fertilize your plants. Adding some plant food to your soil will help the plants get the nutrients they need to grow bigger and heartier. 

    Harvesting your garden

    Since we did not plant our herb garden from seed, we were able to reap a harvest much sooner than we would have otherwise. In just over three months, we’ve already harvested herbs, tomatoes, and a lone strawberry. Our squash should be ready any day now, and we cannot wait.

    Each time we are able to harvest, no matter how small, it brightens our day. It is awesome for kids because they are able to see the finished product of their work and patience. They are able to see food that they would normally only get at the grocery store growing right in front of them. It gives them a feeling of pride and accomplishment.

    Watering the Garden

    Gardening with kids resources

    Starting and growing an herb garden with your kids is an amazing opportunity for learning and connection. If you have been apprehensive about starting a garden (especially with children), I hope that you have learned a few things from this post and that I have encouraged you to go for it. If you’d like more info on gardening with kids, here are a few of our favorite gardening posts:

    Are you planting an herb garden with your kids this year?

    About the author

    Lauren is a California native turned Texan, who loves to get out in nature and discover hidden gems all around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a wife and homeschooling mama to three kids who definitely keep her on her toes. She truly believes in the value of homeschooling and that there are learning opportunities available all around us. In addition to homeschooling, Lauren is also an entrepreneur; she’s the co-owner of Crunchy Boutique (a natural-living/eco-friendly boutique). 

    You can find more from Lauren in the following places:
    Instagram: @crunchymamadfw
    Facebook: @crunchymamadfw
    RWMC Posts: Lauren Cain

  • FARM, GOOD FOR NATURE, SUMMER, URBAN NATURE

    Exploring Farmers’ Markets with Kids

    A trip to your local farmer’s market is more than just a shopping excursion. Farmers’ markets are thriving locations where communities gather, full of interesting people and educational opportunities. Today, Creative Team member and Nevada mom of 2, Ashley Greenhalgh is highlighting how to explore a farmers’ market with your kids. Farmers’ markets are an important part of communities, where you can shop small, meet your local farmers, reduce your carbon footprint and learn to eat seasonally. There are so many benefits of farmers’ markets, let’s dig in! 

    Exploring a farmers' market with kids - tips and advice for parents

    Exploring a farmers’ market with kids

    Exploring a farmers’ market is an outdoor activity your whole family is sure to enjoy. Exploring farmers’ markets with kids can also help your community in a number of ways! Today, I’m excited to share this fun outing with you and cover the basics of what to expect, as well as some tips to enjoy farmers’ markets like a pro.  I hope that this post inspires you to get out with your kids and have some good ol’ family fun at your local farmers’ market (and make healthy food choices and meet new friends along the way!). 

    What is a farmers’ market?

    A farmers’ market is an open area where local farmers, makers, bakers, artists, and even musicians set up displays to sell their local goods and share their passions with the community. Each booth space at a local farmers’ market offers something a little different than the rest, making each market a totally unique experience. When you think of farmers’ markets, you may only think of rows upon rows of fruits and vegetables. And while that is definitely a highlight of any good farmers’ market, there is so much more than fruits and veggies to enjoy and explore!

    Farmer’s markets are made up of people who passionately grow their fruits and vegetables, bake their bread and pastries, paint their canvases, set up amazing displays, create their own products and work tirelessly to provide local healthy, delicious, beautiful options for you to purchase.

    There are usually free samples, free music, and other free or inexpensive options for you to enjoy, making farmers’ markets a fun (and inexpensive) place to hang out, make friends, discover new foods, and meet your community. 

    visiting a farmers' market with kids

    Farmers’ markets are good for you (and everyone else)

    Did you know that farmer’s markets are GREAT for our local economies, our health, and the environment?! 

    Purchasing local food is good for the environment. For example, consider the difference between buying peaches from a farm 20 miles from your home versus a farm 400 miles away. Think of the labor, drive time, packaging, processing, and emissions that are saved when the transportation time is reduced. Now multiply that by say 40 vendors at a local farmers market. It is pretty easy to see that shopping local is a great way to help the environment. 

    Shopping local is also beneficial to your own community and neighborhood. When you purchase food, goods, or services from a local vendor, more of that money stays in your community and area. Your local economy can flourish if everyone seeks out more local options and shops small. 

    kids at the farmers market

    Making connections at the market

    The farmers, artists, master gardeners, makers, craftsmen, and entertainers at local farmer’s markets are some of the most hardworking, kind people you will meet. A farmers’ market is a great place to meet genuine and interesting people. The vendors are usually very passionate about the products they produce and the food they grow/harvest. You’ll find that they’re often very willing to talk to you (and especially your kids) about their processes, experiences, and backgrounds. They may even offer you a tour of their farm, a demonstration, or a free sample. The setting is perfect for children to meet and interact with a wide variety of interesting and passionate adults, as well as others their age. Exploring farmer’s markets with your kids is a simple and fun way for them to make community connections and meet new friends. 

    For more information on how to meet farmers and/or get information on local farms in your area, check out this post on teaching kids about where food comes from.

    exploring a farmer's market with kidsfarmers market for kids

    New foods, new recipes 

    Farmers’ markets are some of the best places to take your kids to get them more interested in new foods and recipes. There’s such a huge variety of foods at local farmers’ markets, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables. There are usually meats and cheeses, sausages and eggs, local honey (great for allergies) and salsa, baked goods and jams (and so much more). If your kids are not familiar with the fruits/vegetables available, purchase a few different options to take home and try. Chances are, even if they weren’t huge fans of the vegetable before (or didn’t know anything about it), they will be once they taste fresh produce they picked out and learned about.

    Including kids in the act of choosing new vegetables, new fruits, or a new herb can get them excited to try something different! Let your child pick out a seasonal fruit or an exotic fruit to try when you get home. It’s like a treat or a reward that they helped pick out. And there are so many different colors and textures of foods for them to experience at a farmer’s market. You’re sure to find something delicious even for the pickiest of eaters. You might even discover something delicious enough that you choose to plant it in your own vegetable garden next year! 

    Most of the vendors at our local farmers’ market have free samples to try, as well. It is so much fun for kids to try yellow watermelon, pluots, and lemon cucumbers to name a few. Many vendors also will suggest a simple recipe for a vegetable, herb, or fruit that isn’t well known. Your children will love choosing something new to try at home! 

    kids farmers market - lessons learned (making change and social skills)

    Healthy options for less

    Since local produce doesn’t have the high transportation costs that are associated with lots of big-box grocery store chains, many of the healthy foods you will find are less expensive than at a grocery store. Not to mention food that hasn’t been shipped hundreds of miles, is fresher (so it tastes better), and has way less plastic wrapping and packaging! These are all benefits of shopping local and small, which also help reduce your carbon footprint. 

    Did you know that most of the fruits and vegetables you’ll find at grocery stores are picked prior to being ripe so that they are hard and don’t get damaged during transport? The local fruits and vegetables at a farmer’s market are often picked within 24 hours of you seeing them! They’re fresh, delicious, and more nutritious than what you’ll usually find at a big grocery store. 

    benefits of taking kids to a local farmers' market

    Farmers’ markets affordably

    The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly benefits to millions of low-income families across the country to purchase food and beverages. Starting in 2017, families have been able to use their EBT cards to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from their local farmer’s markets. Click the link to learn about SNAP at farmers’ markets.

    Another amazing program increasing accessibility to low-income seniors is the SFMNP (Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program). This program is “designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs.” Click the link to learn more about the SFMNP program.

    Making farmers' markets affordable and accessible

    Availability of farmers’ markets 

    Depending on the weather in your area, markets may be open year-round or seasonally. Some markets are open once or twice per week, or a couple of times per month. There are daily markets and weekly markets. There are morning, afternoon, or evening markets. Be sure to check out the hours, days, and seasons your local farmers’ market is open. 

    We have found that evening markets many times have food trucks and music, so it makes for a fun, easy evening outdoors where we can enjoy someone else’s cooking! Morning markets are filled with fresh produce and baked goods. This makes an enjoyable morning tasting fresh fruits, enjoying breakfast, buying local produce, and connecting with our community members. Honestly, there’s no bad time of day to visit the farmers’ market. 

    To find local farmers’ markets, a simple internet search with your area and the words “farmers’ markets.” (Northern California farmers’ markets or St. Louis farmers’ markets, for example). This will provide a local website or list of options in your area. 

    Many of the farmers’ markets that operate twice per week, for example, do so for variety. A market may feature fruits and vegetables on a weekday, and arts/ crafts on a Saturday. This provides variety for customers and keeps things interesting. 

    eats and treats at local farmers markets - exploring with kids

    Power of Produce

    The Power of Produce (POP) Club is an organization for kids hosted by the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) which provides a set of over 50 tools, guides and templates to help communities engage younger customers in the farmers market experience through POP Club. The club provides a fun opportunity for children to engage in the local food system through conversations directly with farmers, educational games and demonstrations, and exposure to new fruits and vegetables. In addition to participating in educational activities, POP Club kids receive vouchers to spend at the market, allowing them to make their own shopping decisions at the market. For more information, check out their website. 

    Other benefits of farmers’ markets 

    Besides being great for your community, environment, and health there are a few other benefits to exploring farmers’ markets with kids! 

    Farmers’ markets are a great low-stress environment for them to learn about money and work on social/communication skills. If your kids have some money saved, they can work on talking with vendors, asking questions, adding up items, weighing/measuring, counting money, and calculating change. There are so many great skills that kids can develop from the simple act of shopping! It is a fun, interactive way for them to learn some math and money skills!

    yoga classes at farmers' market

    More than just food

    There are so many other fun, outdoor activities you can find at many farmers’ markets, in addition to fresh produce. We’ve experienced everything from live music at open-air concerts, to cooking demonstrations, a petting zoo, plant displays, pumpkin patches, fresh-cut flowers (make your own bouquet stations), yoga classes, story time (from local authors), and art demonstrations. Many of these activities are free, inexpensive, or merely ask for a small donation. We once found an art bus where the girls could tie-dye a small reusable bag for $5. They had a blast interacting with the small business owner and making something they can use again and again. 

    Bring your furry friends!

    A fun added bonus: you can usually bring your furry friends to the farmers’ market! Since most farmers’ markets are outdoors, many allow dogs on leashes. Kids and dogs are a great combination and can be an icebreaker for your children to meet and interact with others. Exploring farmers’ markets with kids is a great way to bond with them and others, get some exercise, support your community, and help the environment. Is there anything better than that? 

    bring your dog to the farmers' market

    Helpful tips for visiting a farmers’ market with kids

    • Think ahead of time what you’re looking for at a farmers’ market. If you’re looking for the freshest produce, fruits and vegetables, hitting up the farmers’ markets early in the morning is your best chance of getting the most variety. 
    • If you’re going to an evening market where there are food trucks and music, it is nice to have a blanket to sit on the grass. 
    • Bring a basket or reusable bags to carry your produce. Most places do not have bags or boxes, so try to remember to bring your own. This also cuts down on plastic waste.
    • Carry some cash. While many vendors accept cards, some may not. Plus, it makes it faster and easier to pay with cash when you’re browsing and trying to purchase a few small things from various vendors. 
    • Bring a reusable water bottle ~ many markets will have refilling stations for bottles, but not cups. In addition, many markets are during the heat of a sunny day so it is nice to have some cold water on hand. 

    Exploring a farmers' market with kids

    Have you ever explored a farmers’ market with your kids?

    About the author

    Ashley is a nature-loving mother of two who is passionate about outdoor education for parents and their children. Ashley grew up in Alaska, where her family spent most of their time outdoors fishing, camping, skiing, and hiking. She currently lives with her husband and children near the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe, where they can be found outdoors year-round; hiking, backpacking, biking, skiing, and camping. She is also very passionate about photography and owns a small photography business.

    You can find more from Ashley in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @sage.and.summit
    Website: Sage & Summit Photography
    RWMC posts: Ashley Greenhalgh

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, GARDENING, GOOD FOR NATURE, NATURE SCHOOL, SUMMER

    Gardening with Ladybugs

    Gardening with kids is such a wonderful and educational way to get kids outside and in touch with nature. There are so many amazing benefits of gardening with kids. Gardening has brought our family so much joy (and so many tomatoes), but it can also bring unwanted guests. Enter the dreaded aphid. To keep our plants healthy and aphid-free, we recently released 1,500 ladybugs into our garden and it was such a fun experience. My kids loved it and if you garden, I’m hoping this is something you can experience with your kids, too. Today, we’re sharing all kinds of fun ladybug facts for kids below, plus tips on how to gently and effectively release ladybugs into your garden for pest control and how to get started gardening with ladybugs.

    Gardening with ladybugs and releasing them with kids

    Benefits of ladybugs in a garden

    Ladybugs are considered one of the most beneficial insects in your garden. Ladybugs are wonderful for gardens because they’re capable of consuming up to 50 to 60 aphids per day! Aphids feed on plant tissues and can also transmit viruses to plants, so the fewer aphids, the healthier your garden. Ladybugs don’t just stop there, though. They will also eat a variety of other insects and larvae including scales, mealy bugs, moth eggs, leafhoppers, mites, asparagus beetle larvae, whitefly, and various types of soft-bodied insects. All of these insects can be harmful to your plants, flowers, and vegetables. Encouraging ladybugs to take residence in your garden may mean less work for you as well as less need for chemical pesticides.

    Bringing ladybugs to your garden

    If you have a garden with aphids, ladybugs will naturally come to your garden on their own. They also seek out pollen for food, so if you grow pollen-laden flowers and herbs, your garden will naturally will attract ladybugs. These include, but aren’t limited to: angelica, calendula, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel, marigolds, nasturtium, scented geraniums, and yarrow. You’ll also want to limit the use of insecticides, which will help ensure a healthy population of ladybugs in your garden. 

    However, if you don’t have the patience to wait for the ladybugs to find your garden and want to hurry the process along (or give your kids a chance to really get up close and personal with some ladybugs), you can purchase a bag of hundreds of these little garden soldiers. When considering this, it’s very important to buy native species of ladybugs. Releasing ladybugs into your garden is a really fun way to get kids interested in gardening and teach them about this amazing insect.

    live ladybugs for your gardenreleasing ladybugs into your garden

    Fun ladybug facts for kids

    • Ladybugs are also called ladybirds or ladybeetles.
    • To help defend themselves, ladybugs play dead.
    • They also can release a foul-smelling yellow fluid from their knees that other bugs find stinky.
    • During winter ladybugs hibernate together to stay warm, usually, in plant refuse and crevices.
    • Ladybugs have two sets of wings – the outer set is the hard shell for protection and the inner set is what it uses to fly.
    • The ladybug larvae resemble tiny black alligators.
    • Ladybugs taste and smell with their antennae.
    • Ladybugs come in many colors, most commonly red, orange, yellow, or scarlet with black dots on them.
    • Within a year, there can be as many as 5-6 generations of ladybugs as the average time from egg to adult only takes about 3-4 weeks.
    • They are found worldwide (except in cold places like the Arctic and Antarctica).
    • Some ladybugs have white spots and some even have stripes.
    •  In the spring, female ladybugs lay anywhere from 50-300 eggs, which are yellow & oval-shaped and are usually found in clusters of 10-50
    • The most known ladybug is the red one with 7 black spots however other species can have different numbers of spots.
    • Ladybugs are omnivores – they eat other small insects, fruit, aphids.
    • Ladybugs live from 2 to 3 years.

    how to release ladybugs in your gardenreleasing ladybugs with kids

    How to release ladybugs in your garden

    We recently noticed that our tomatoes were being attacked by some tiny predators. I’m pretty proud of my tomatoes and fiercely protective of them! While I wanted to desperately save them, I didn’t want to use any chemicals on the plants. My kids help water the garden, they play near it and we have a dog, so pesticides weren’t an option. Instead, we decided to give ladybugs a try.

    We ordered 1,500 live ladybugs from Amazon, which arrived a few days after placing our order. I made sure to check that we ordered a species that was native to our location, so as to not introduce any invasive species. The kids were so excited when they arrived and wanted to release them right away. However, there are a few things you need to do when releasing ladybugs to ensure they stick around to help out your garden, so we had some prep work to do.

    Prepping your ladybugs for release

    As soon as the ladybugs arrive, put the bag in a cool place (refrigerator) until late in the day. This will slow their metabolism and place them in a slightly dormant state until the time that you want to release them.

    Release ladybugs in the evening

    Make sure that the ladybugs are released in the evening into a soaking wet garden that has some aphids. If you release them into a dry garden or during the day, they will likely fly away. Release them in the evening hours and they’ll immediately find a place to sleep and settle in for the night. Ladybugs won’t fly in the dark, so releasing them just after sunset ensures they’ll stay the night. In the morning, they’ll be hungry and start looking for some delicious plant pests to much on.

    You could also try releasing your ladybugs in small batches over a day or two. This ups your chances of keeping some around.

    Tips to ensure the ladybugs stay in your garden

    There are a couple of ways to encourage your new friends to hang around your place and not go skipping off to the neighbor’s house. After their long journey, they are usually dehydrated when they arrive, so a soaked garden will provide opportunities for them to quench their thirst. When releasing, gently scatter or spread them out so each ladybug can find food and water immediately. And if they encounter aphids as they’re drinking, many of the ladybugs will decide that this garden is a good place to stay.

    adding ladybugs to your garden as pest controlreleasing ladybugs into your garden with kids

    Get the kids involved in your ladybug release

    While I was really excited about the ladybugs, the kids absolutely loved being a part of the release. My fearless 5-year-old couldn’t get enough of them. He’s been known to befriend bugs, crickets, worms, and spiders, so his fascination with the ladybugs came as no surprise.

    I was excited to see him embrace the ladybugs and let them crawl all over him. I’m not sure this is typical kid behavior (my 2-year-old was not this enthusiastic about them), so don’t be worried if your child isn’t quite as into it! If you’re not squeamish about it, let them crawl on your hands too! Show your kids how to be gentle with them. Ladybugs don’t sting or bite, so there’s nothing to be afraid of.

    Check out this post for more tips on how to help kids get over their fear of bugs and creepy crawlies. 

    tips for releasing ladybugs into your gardenadding ladybugs to your garden

    Do you garden with ladybugs?
    Is this something your kids would like?

     

    Also, be sure to check out these related posts:

  • GARDENING, NATURE SCHOOL, WINTER

    Winter Garden Planning with Kids

    A great garden starts in the winter! Now is the time to get out those seed catalogs and figure out what you’re going to plant this year and where. Planning out your garden is such a fun activity to do in the winter. It reminds us that warmth and sunshine will be returning soon. Garden planning can also be a great activity for the kids that will teach them valuable skills while they’re having fun. Today, Creative Team member and Arkansas mom of two, Nichole Holze shares how she and her kids plan their garden every year and plot it out. She’s also got great tips for anyone looking to plant a garden this year and lots of ways to get the kids involved. 

    This post contains affiliate links. 

    winter garden planning with kids

    Gardening as a family

    Gardening is one of our family’s favorite outdoor hobbies. I didn’t grow up gardening, though. In fact, I had to learn how to garden (TWICE) as an adult. Once in zone 5 and again when we moved to zone 8. Gardening is a hobby that continually teaches us to pay attention to the small things, but also brings us such joy throughout the year. While most of the actual gardening happens in spring and summer, winter is when a great garden begins! And here is how I bring my children into the garden planning process! 

    How to get started gardening in your zone

    The question I get asked most often is: “Where do I start?” My answer is always the same…before you buy seeds or shop your local garden center, you need to learn what “zone” you’re in. Your garden zone determines what you plant and when. It’s a critical piece of information to begin your planning process.

    One of the best resources for this is your local master gardeners* chapter. I’ve always found that the master gardeners are so helpful and eager to share their knowledge with new gardeners. You can find your local chapter by an internet search or by contacting your county’s agriculture extension office. Prior to the pandemic, I used to attend a monthly talk given by my local master gardeners. Those talks have now moved online and many of them are free to attend via Zoom! I filled an entire notebook with notes I took at those meetings. 

    * “Master gardeners” are people who have received extensive training in gardening in their area (usually through a university program) and then provide information to the public via phone or email helplines, speaking at public events, writing articles for publications and the internet, and partnering with other community programs, gardens, and educational facilities.

    winter garden planning with kids sunset garden

    Laying out the plans

    The next step in planning your garden is to layout your plan and figure out what you want to plant and where. This process changes every year (sometimes multiples times in a year). Here’s how our garden layout planning has gone: We made garden plans. And we changed them. Then we put in raised beds. And we changed the plans again. Then we added a keyhole garden. And changed plans yet again. This last year we added an arch tunnel and two more raised bed gardens. We changed our plans again.

    The good news is that you can make plans and add to them as often or as little as you want. One really beautiful thing about gardening is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. There are ways that work better/best, but sometimes those take trial and error to figure out. Yes, you can dive deep into getting soil mixtures right and testing to be sure they’re the right balance and pH. Or, you can just learn along the way, celebrating the wins and learning from your losses.

    winter garden planning with kids - how to plan and plot your garden layout

    The garden planning process

    We take the learn as we go route. My first step in the garden planning process is to draw out the layout of my garden. I make a smaller copy for myself and a larger version for my children. For older children, you could use grid paper and have them make the aerial view to scale. With younger children, draw in the shapes of your garden. Or just give them a big piece of cardboard left over from the holidays and let them have at it.

    It’s also fun to let them imagine what their own garden plot would look like, whether it’s an actual garden space or just a pot of their very own. We get out our art supplies and draw what our garden space looks like from above. There are no rules for this, it’s meant to be fun. So set aside lessons and expectations, and have some fun. 

    winter garden planning with kids garden map

    Put your pens and markers to paper

    After you have the outline of your garden space complete, it’s time to start filling it in. Older children can label and work on spatial awareness as they designate a place for each plant. It’s also a great way to work on handwriting. Younger children can color or draw what they want in their garden space. I like to go back to the garden map I made the previous year, to see what I had growing where, what was a perennial or annual, and what I want to change.

    As you learn to garden, one thing I highly recommend is to be a casual journaler. I’m not talking about obsessive growing notes, but if that’s you, go for it. More like just making notes throughout your year about what is growing well, what isn’t, what pests you’re dealing with, and things you’d like to change. Then you can refer to those notes as you plan for the next year. Mental notes are great (if you can remember them), but I prefer paper. A simple journal works great, but you can also find all kinds of garden journals or diaries for more detailed notetaking. 

    how to make garden planning fun and educational for kids

    Making garden planning fun for kids

    One of the best ways to make the garden planning fun and visual for children is to let them cut up pictures to paste onto the map you made. Remember middle school (ish?) when we cut up photos from magazines and newspapers? Then we glued them onto our trapper keepers to make them super cool? Yeah, we’re doing that again! But this time it’s with seed catalogs.

    WITH WHAT?! Yes, with seed catalogs. By the time I’m ready to plan with my kids, I’ve already poured over the countless number of seed catalogs I received (several times). I order all of my seeds online so I don’t need the magazines anymore, but they are so pretty and filled with vivid photos of plants. It’s so fun to make the garden plans highly visual with the pretty pictures.

    I give my kids the seed catalogs, scissors, and glue and let them have at it. Fix yourself a coffee or tea, turn on some classical music, and browse your own garden journal. You can even organize your seeds while they have fun. It’s a great way to visually see your garden, all the colors and shapes, the various plants, flowers and vegetables.  Plus, it gets the kids excited about the process and they become knowledgeable about the plants in your garden.

    To really make garden planning special for kids, designate a garden space just for your children. Make a little garden sign for their space, let them choose a seed packet, and let them be in charge from start to finish. 

    winter garden planning with kids seed organizing and storage solutionsThis case is for organizing photos but it works GREAT for seeds. Find it HERE. 

    When and where do you order seeds?

    Yesterday. No really, order them right now. ASAP. Due to current world circumstances, seed shops and garden centers are seeing unprecedented amounts of orders. Baker Creek seeds has shut its website down several times to get caught up on orders. Seed Savers has a disclaimer up about the delayed shipping times. Seed companies all over are struggling to keep up with the demand. However, you can get seeds locally at big box garden centers and local garden centers.

    If you’re hoping to save your seeds, I would recommend buying non-GMO, organic, or heirloom seeds to begin, to be sure of saving high-quality plants. Another great way to gather seeds is to participate in a seed swap with gardening friends. A page that I adore, Jill Ragan of Whispering Willow Farm does a huge seed swap every year and it’s really neat. Also, a huge shout out to Jill for her genius seed organizing idea. She’s an inspiring gardener and I highly recommend following her. 

    how to get kids involved in garden planning and layout

    What you’ll need for garden planning with kids

    To make the garden planning FUN for you and your children, here is what I recommend:

    • Markers, crayons, pencils, paint, any and all art supplies
    • Scissors and glue (glue sticks work best)
    • Gardening magazines and seed catalogs
    • A large piece of paper, or piece of a cardboard
    • Graph paper for older children
    • Finger paints and finger paint paper for younger children
    • A large workspace – clear the kitchen table or do it on a hard surface floor
    • A no-rules attitude, let the creativity flow (that includes you too)
    • Some background jams (I prefer classical music)
    • Snacks
    • Coffee or tea for mental stimulation, plus it just tastes good

    Remember, this is meant to be a fun activity to involve your children in the planning process, so let it be fun! If they mess up and put sunflowers in the middle of the tomatoes, it doesn’t matter. It’s an opportunity to learn, for everyone. 

    winter garden planning with kids garden expansion

    What about older children?

    Garden planning is a great opportunity for older children to do some critical thinking. Here are some ways to involve older children that will help them with some STEM skills and concepts:

    • Have them generate a graph to show seed starting dates and when to plant in the ground
    • Research companion planting
    • Create a planting schedule
    • Make a budget for seed spending
    • Practice taking soil pH samples
    • Create wet mount slides to look at the soil under a microscope (Nematodes, yay!)
    • Make a business plan for selling transplants (small plants grown from seed)

    There are so many ways to make this project fun for the whole family. I highly suggest getting everyone involved. The world has felt so heavy in the last year and having a family hobby that gets everyone involved, excited, and eventually outside is a very, very good thing. 

    winter garden planning with kids garden aerial veiw

    A few favorite gardening resources

    I’m an entirely self-taught gardener. Everything I know came from reading, listening to talks and speeches, obsessive internet searching, trial and error, and asking lots of questions. I encourage you to find books, magazines, podcasts, people, mentors, and even gardening accounts on social media. These resources are so important and helpful as you learn what works for you and your family.

    Here are a few of my favorite gardening books:

    winter garden planning with kids spiders in the gardenSpiders make a regular appearance in our garden. 

    Want even more gardening goodness?

    If you’d like to hear more about our gardening shenanigans and follow along on our growing journey, you’re in luck! You can read about the luffa vines that took over our garden and how my kids made a little business out of it HERE. Do you love sunflowers? Me too! You can read about our end of the season sunflower dissection HERE. I also made garden Reels videos my “thing” last summer on Instagram. Here’s a fun one, and another fun one.  Follow along as our garden grows on #coleyraegardens. I’m here to help answer any questions I can or point you in the right direction. And please tag me (@coleyraeh) on social media if you make garden plans. I’d love to see them! 

    coleyraeh garden photo coleyraegardens

    Are you excited about planning your garden this year?
    Will you make some plans ahead of time or make it up as you go? 

    About the author

    Nichole is mama to two incredible adventurers, an older boy and a younger girl. They are in their seventh year of homeschooling. She’s married to her best friend and they share a mutual love for the outdoors. An Iowan native now living in the south, she is happy to claim Arkansas as home. She is a wanderlust (and coffee) fueled, fearless, road tripper who has been known to take off for epic adventures at a moment’s notice. Hiking and camping (of the backpacking variety) and crystal digging are a few of their favorite family activities. You can find her in the woods somewhere, probably up a creek, and jumping off waterfalls.

    You can find more from Nichole online in the following locations:
    Website: http://www.luckeywanderers.com
    Instagram: @coleyraeh
    RWMC posts: Nichole

  • FARM, GARDENING, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Teaching Kids About Where Food Comes From

    We all know kids are innately curious and soak up new information like sponges, especially if it’s something they’re naturally interested in. You’re likely here because you’re looking for ideas to feed that curiosity in your kids. Today, we have creative team member Jake Smith of Black Ridge Farms, sharing a little about feeding your kid’s minds, as well as their bodies in one fell swoop. Jake is a farmer in Washington state and dad of four little ones. He’s sharing how he helps teach his curious farm kids about the origin of the food that ends up on their plate and the importance of knowing where your food comes from.

    where food comes from

    Grow something, grow anything!

    Let’s start with the easiest thing to do in teaching kids where their food comes from…grow something. Anything! It doesn’t have to be difficult or an entire garden worth of plants. Just start with planting a seed or two in a pot in your house or in the backyard. If you live a nomadic life on the road you can still participate. Let those plants sit in the window as you trundle down the road.

    You’ll only need a few things to get started with growing food. Grab some organic potting soil or compost from your local hardware store or nursery, a couple of pots to grow your plants in, and the seeds of your choice. That’s it. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be considered growing something. You don’t have to be a farmer or a gardener or even have a “green thumb”. Just give it a try.

    Get the kids involved in growing

    Let your kids have fun getting a little messy filling their pots up with potting soil or digging in the soil in the backyard. Growing something doesn’t have to be dirty per se, but when you mix kids with dirt, a little mess is bound to happen. I find it easiest to just embrace it and not fight it. Let them have fun and they’ll be more likely to participate and enjoy the activity.  🙂

    Once your kids have their pots loosely filled with soil or the soil loosened in your garden beds it’s time to plant the seeds they’ve chosen. Each seed is a little different about how it responds best regarding germination. Some seeds like to be left on the surface of the soil. Some seeds like to be pushed into the soil a little ways. Others like to have small mounds piled over them.

    Your seed packet should provide ideal planting conditions printed on it, including helpful information on the depth to plant the seed in the soil, watering intervals, hours of sunlight it desires, etc. Reference those for the best chances to succeed at germination and growth. However, we’ve also let our kids plant things any way they wanted at times and plenty of the seeds still sprung forth. Where there’s a will there’s a way.

    Teaching kids where their food comes from - planting a garden

    Let it grow, let it grow!

    After their seeds are planted it’s just down to watering and time (i.e. patience). If you’re growing indoors, find a window or ledge for the plants where they will have about the right amount of sunshine. Keep them up high to protect them from younger siblings looking to do their own dirt exploration activity (speaking from personal experience here). Then, you’ll just need to keep your soil adequately watered (but not over-watered) while waiting for their little seed to sprout.

    We’ve had everything from overenthusiastic waterers to potentially some watering neglect. You name it, we’ve covered the watering spectrum. Once again, the plant wants to grow, it wants to sprout. Don’t stress about having everything perfect for it. There’s an area of grace around its ideal growing conditions, it’s not something you need to meet 100% to succeed.

    Of course, your kids will be confident their seeds are never going to sprout about an hour after they’ve planted them. Because surely, they should be up by now. It’s been forever! Patience, grasshopper. In a few days, you should start to see little sprouts coming forth out of the soil.

    Each plant is different, so some will sprout quicker than others. Let the kids check them first thing every morning. They’ll likely give them a little poking and prodding. It’s alright, it’s part of their curiosity in learning about the growing process. I like to let it happen. Worst case scenario, the seed doesn’t sprout and they’ve learned what they can’t do and will just need to plant new seeds. No biggie.

    Teaching kids where their food comes from - growing flowers

    Be curious and observant

    As their plants grow they’ll notice leaves springing forth. Some plants will have different stems growing out of the main one. Some will be a main stalk, some will flower, some will spread over the ground. Every plant is different and has unique qualities. My kids ask me loads of questions about observations they make about plants and animals that I’ve never noticed nor thought about. I regularly have to look up their questions to find answers. It’s a part of the growing process (the plants’ and the kids’) I never anticipated but have come to love.

    Over time, with regular care, the plant will start to produce whatever fruit or vegetable it’s supposed to produce. More questions come along with this process. And more patience is required as they wait for it to grow to maturity. Eventually, the time comes for the harvest when they can pick and eat the fruits of their labor. In my opinion, this is the best part. 

    There is no more satisfying feeling than seeing my kids eyes light up as they bite into a tomato they’ve watched grow from a tiny seed, or plucking raspberries off the plant for a snack as they run by. From having experienced the entire growing process, kids have a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and how much work and love goes into growing each plant.

    Teaching kids where their food comes from - eating beets

    Follow a farmer and get a tour

    So, what if you’re wanting to dig deeper into growing fruits and vegetables than you can in your backyard? What if you want more of a field trip than the hands-on growing experience? Kids love this. There are likely plenty of small farmers in your area that would love to give you a tour of their farm. If you live deep within the heart of a city, you might have to venture an hour or more away. But, most people should be able to find a farm within 30 minutes. It all depends on your area, but you might be surprised how many small farms there are around you.

    You say, “That’s great, Jake, but how do I find these farmers?” To which I say, “Google it.” If the search results in your area don’t turn up a whole lot (which isn’t uncommon) you might have to get a little creative. Plenty of farmers exist on social media. Once you find one farm locally, you’ll likely find quite a few connected with them. From there you can follow them, learn from them, and get to know them even from the comfort of your home.

    We have plenty of farmers we follow and know their farming ups and downs. We consider them friends and we learn from them regularly even though we’ve likely never met in person. Follow local farms on social media and get to know them. Maybe once you feel comfortable, reach out to them, express interest in visiting their farm. They’ll likely be more than happy to show you around. If you’re still struggling to find any farmers in your area, message me on Instagram @blackridgefarms and I’ll be happy to help you out. 

    Visit a farmer’s market

    Another way to find farmers in your area to talk to is by visiting your local farmer’s market. If there are farmers at the market, it’s likely they’re from a farm nearby. If you’re comfortable with it, strike up a conversation, and chat with them. Ask your questions and get to know more about what they grow.

    If you’d rather contact them after you’ve procured their farm name and location on their booth, reach out to them via email or social media. Mention you saw them at the market and would love to visit their farm. I’ve yet to turn someone down from a request like this.

    Farmers are doing what they do for a love of the land, the plants, and the animals. We love to share that with anyone interested. Especially kids.

    Teaching kids where their food comes from - planting garden

    Map out where food comes from

    A lot of our homeschooling involves following our kids’ natural curiosity. We take the opportunity to teach by exploring the questions that pop up from our kids when they come across things they’re unfamiliar with or haven’t learned about yet. Whenever we come across an interesting new food, the first thing we do is look it up and figure out where it’s from. We end up exploring the area of the world the new food grows. We learn about what the weather conditions are like there, soil conditions, farming practices, etc.

    Over time, as we end up looking up more foods and animals, our kids start to make connections. They consider what the climate might be like in an area of the world they’ve never been to. They start to connect the dots of “oh hey, this chicken breed is from the same country as that type of cheese we made and that variety of grapes we have growing in the garden.”

    In this regard, the experience and learning is less about the growing of the food or the farm where it was grown and more of a geography lesson about where certain foods grow well and where they originate from. In our northern climate with cold, snowy winters, this is how our kids now understand that it’s not feasible for us to grow bananas or kiwis outdoors. And they also appreciate how far those foods have to come to get to us. 

    Teaching kids where their food comes from - kids with flowers

    Connecting with your food

    Connecting with your food can be as much or as little as you want it to be. For us, our lives revolve around the growing, care for, and enjoying of food. For you, it may be just a slight curiosity to know more about how your food is raised and where your food comes from. Or maybe you’re curious about what life may have been like for your grandparents that were farmers. There is no right or wrong answer. But hopefully, this post inspired you to get curious about where your food comes from and make it a priority to teach kids a little more about the growing and farming process.

    What steps are you going to take in teaching your kids
    about where their food comes from?

    About the author

    Jake and his wife Jessica are raising four adorable children on Black Ridge Farms in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest. Jake enjoys any time spent on the farm taking care of their various animals and seeing how quickly the kids learn to care for and love their animals. He bounces back and forth between the farm and his 9-5 while Jessica shoulders the bulk of responsibility of homeschooling the kids, keeping the house in order, and keeping a watchful eye on the farm in Jake’s absence. While he has one foot dipped in the 1800s, the other foot has danced around the marketing and tech fields. Jake has worked as a Graphic Designer, Digital Designer, and most recently a User Experience Designer. Beyond those pre-packaged titles, Jake is a creative dreamer with an entrepreneurial streak that believes in the power of one’s mindset, time spent with loved ones, and real, healthy food.

    You can find more from Jake online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @blackridgefarms
    Website: Black Ridge Farms
    RWMC posts: Jake Smith

  • GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    7 Ways to Ease Anxiety Using Nature

    This year is destined to go down in the history books for a lot of things. Unprecedented high levels of stress and anxiety in parents, being one of them. More than possibly ever before, self-care for parents needs to be a top priority. Moms in particular, tend to take care of everyone but themselves, leading to overwhelm, burnout and exhaustion. Today, we have Chelsea Furlong, Virginia photographer and homeschooling mom of two, sharing 7 ways that parents (and kids) can reduce stress and ease anxiety using nature and natural treatments. We hope this post will inspire you to make nature part of your self-care routine.

    best ways to ease anxiety using nature

    Easing anxiety with nature

    Well, here we are…at the tail end of 2020. This has to be one of the most stressful years our generation has ever experienced. The unexpected and unprecedented global pandemic has likely added stress to your life. Parents, in particular, have had a massive amount to deal with on top of the everyday stressors we normally experience.

    Often, lots of stress can lead to anxiety. I know this because I have anxiety and depression. I have to be extremely careful with myself and very intentional about how I live my life to be sure I don’t get stuck in a dangerous downward spiral. And anyone else who has anxiety and/or depression knows how difficult it can be to pull yourself out of a particularly difficult time.

    Over the years, I’ve tried so many things to ease my anxiety and support my mental health. I’ve tried everything from therapy to medications to natural remedies, and every combination of them. I can tell you without a second of hesitation that for me personally, getting back to nature has helped me more than anything else. I know that many of you may be experiencing added stress and anxiety so I wanted to share my most impactful ways of easing anxiety during difficult times.

    natural ways to treat anxiety

    1. Get outside

    Now I know this seems very basic, but getting outside can instantly stop an anxiety spiral. There is countless research that shows how spending time outdoors in green spaces is good for your physical and mental health. Make spending time outside a priority and reap the benefits of less stress, better health and lower anxiety levels.

    Sunlight and fresh air

    We hear all the time that it’s so important to get sunlight but I don’t think people take this seriously enough. Many people have a vitamin D deficiency. This can still be the case even in the summertime. We tend to forget that humans are animals and in the 200,000 years homo sapiens has existed, only VERY recently have we lived so much of our lives indoors. Even a few generations ago, people were spending most of their waking hours working outside.

    Modern-day society has put us indoors much more than we’ve ever been, and evolution can’t change our make up that quickly. I would argue that humans simply haven’t adjusted to being inside so much. Our bodies desperately need the sunlight and we need the fresh air.

    Fresh air is good for our bodies and minds. Anyone that’s spent any time wearing a mask recently knows just how wonderful fresh air can be. Deep breathing outside in the fresh air can do amazing things for your body and mind.

    Sleep better

    Spending lots of time outside helps with so many things, one of them being a reset of our circadian rhythms. This is crucial for establishing regular sleep patterns. Personally, lack of sleep is always a major trigger for my anxiety and depression. I have to be very aware of my sleep schedule. When I’m not getting enough sleep, my anxiety greatly increases. Spending lots of time outside really helps the body settle down at night and sleep better.

    Exercise

    When you’re spending more time outside, you’re also likely getting more exercise. Exercise is another thing people take too lightly when it comes to mental health. I know this because I was one of those people. When I’m starting to feel like my depression and anxiety are kicking back up again, I monitor how much exercise I’m getting.

    Not only is exercise good for the health of your body, but it’s critical for the health of your brain. You need the endorphins that your body produces when you exercise. Walking, running, biking, and yoga are great activities to do while you’re spending extra time outside. ways to reduce anxiety naturally

    Mindfulness

    Another practice I’ve found helpful for my anxiety is using mindfulness or meditation while I’m outside on a walk. Anxiety can put your brain in a pattern or a cycle. In order to get out of it, you need a pattern interruption. Taking a walk and using the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness method is a great way to ground yourself and bring your brain back to the present moment. It’s super easy and works wonders!

    Just take a deep breath in and out. Then identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. When I do this, I try to completely isolate each of those senses and remove any input from the other senses. You want to take your time with this grounding exercise and really slow down your body and brain. When you’re finished, take one more deep, cleansing breath. You’ll feel so much better!

    Sit-spotting

    The idea of sit-spotting is simple, but powerful: find a special place in nature and then become comfortable with just being there, still and quiet. In this place, nature let the nature around you soothe you, entertain you and seep into you. If you choose one particular place to do this repeatedly, sit-spotting gives you a personal and intimate place in nature which will soothe, comfort, and relax you instantly, as you get to know the location.

    I recommend you find a place in or adjacent to a natural or semi-natural setting where you can sit and observe. Preferably, pick a place that’s close to home so you can get there easily whenever you need a mental break. Sit quietly there, observing nature around you with all of your senses. Listen for birds and other animals. Observe the colors and light. Touch the rocks and moss. Smell the fresh rain or snow. Visit your location in every season and vary the time of day (morning, noon, night) to see how your spot changes.

    Check out this post for more useful information on sit spotting.

    2. Eat clean

    Cleaning up what you put into your body is another way to help improve your mental health. Mother Nature provides us with everything we need to nourish our bodies and make healthy new cells. Your body is always replacing your cells…why not make sure that the new cells you’re creating are healthy ones?

    When I was desperately searching for answers to my own battle with depression and anxiety, I was having many odd physical symptoms in addition to the emotional ones. My psychiatrist looked at my medical charts and told me my declining physical and mental health looked similar to other patients she had with autoimmune disease.

    Clean eating research

    That sent me down an information-seeking rabbit hole, and I’m SO thankful it did. After doing tons of research, I changed my diet completely. Thanks to books like The Wahl’s Protocol and The Autoimmune Fix, I learned so much about how your body uses the food you eat to either make you healthy or make you sick.

    Every person is different, and you’ll have to find what works for you, but I swear by the diet I’m permanently on. It has changed my life. It’s a big commitment but if you’re at the point where you’ll do anything to improve your mental health (like I was), it’s absolutely worth it. 

    The importance of good food

    Adding large amounts of nutrient-dense foods is crucial to a properly functioning brain and nervous system. There is also a massive connection between your brain and your gut (which is also known as your second brain.) Nature can provide you with all the nutrients you need, you just have to make eating them a priority.

    Do yourself a favor and start paying more attention to what you put into your body. How you feel afterward. Are there particular foods or meals that make you feel better? Or worse?

    Bonus fact: Did you know that eating two or more handfuls of cashews a day, can have the same effect as Prozac? The high levels of tryptophan in cashews help to increase serotonin. Thanks, nature!

    natural ways to treat anxiety

    3. Supplements

    In addition to honing in on your diet, you may want to consider adding some supplements to your daily self-care routine. Every person is different, but I’ve felt best when I’m taking a high quality fish oil, vitamin D3, vitamin C, and a B-complex. Fish oil supports brain health. Vitamin C supports the immune system. Vitamin D plays an important role in brain and nerve health, and mood regulation. And B vitamins help with energy levels, as well as brain and nerve functioning. 

    When my anxiety starts to get worse, I also add in my special anxiety-reducing tea. I add Holy basil and magnesium powder to chamomile tea. This is a great way to calm your muscles and nerves fairly quickly. I recommend Nature Calm magnesium powder to all my friends. Watch out, though. A little goes a long way with this stuff! You only need a very small amount to get the benefits. 

    CBD oil

    The other supplement I use on a regular basis that has really been life changing for me is CBD oil. When it comes to CBD, you need to do your research. Not all CBD oils are created equally. I’ve tried various brands, types and strengths and it took quite a lot of trial and error to find the exact brand, strength, and dosage that works for me. It’s similar to a prescription medication in that way. It may take a little time to find what works for you.

    I found that a small amount of CBD oil daily helps to keep my mood level, and then I take more as needed. When I know I’m going into a situation that can be a trigger for me, I take some of my oil about 20 minutes in advance. It’s been very helpful.

    natural ways to reduce anxiety

    4. Essential oils

    Speaking of oil, essential oils are another gift from nature that we can use to help ease anxiety. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient cultures in China, India, and Egypt. When I’m feeling stressed at home, I can often reset my body and brain by using some essential oils. This also helps my kids reset, so it’s a win-win!

    At home, I use a diffuser with my oils. When I’m on-the-go, I love my lava rock jewelry. I just absorb a few drops of my favorite oil into the lava stone and I can smell it all day! Again, this is also great for my kids, too. They’ll often ask for my jewelry when we’re out in public or even riding in the car. They love it!

    If you’re unfamiliar with essential oils, do some research. Different oils will have a different effect. Some oils can boost your mood and energy, while others can calm you down and help you sleep! You can change the oils to match what you need. Two of my favorite oils that help me calm down are lavender oil and a blend called Balance.

    natural ways to reduce anxiety

    5. Plants

    You may be seeing a recurring theme here. Not only can we benefit from plants by adding more of them to our diets and using plant oils, but we can also benefit from just surrounding ourselves with plants! Did you know that just having plants in your home can improve your mental health, improve your air quality, help you sleep better, boost your immune system and increase your productivity?! Amazing, right?

    Gardening is another activity that can improve your mental health and help ease anxiety. You’ll get fresh air and sunlight, exercise, and the right kind of mental stimulation. There are two main modes of attention: focused attention and fascination. Focused attention is the kind you use at work, and too much of it can lead to stress. Fascination is the kind you use in hobbies and can help reduce anxiety when we’re feeling so much stress we can’t cope.

    Gardening can help ground us and help us stay in the present moment. If you’re growing foods and herbs in your garden, you can also use the produce and herbs to heal you from the inside! One activity, but double the benefits for your mental health!

    using nature to help anxiety

    6. Animals

    Whether it’s a household pet or a creature you meet in the wild, animals can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. I’ve found that having a dog in our home greatly reduces my anxiety levels. Having a warm pet snuggled up to me helps me slow down when I need to slow down. And on the flip side, my dog helps me get moving when I’m feeling sluggish. When the dog has to go out, I have no choice but to pull myself up and go walk him. It’s wonderful because once I’m outside for even a few minutes, I start to feel better. Pets can also be a needed distraction when you’re stuck in an anxiety loop. Distraction is a great way to interrupt a pattern or cycle, and pets are great for that!

    If you’re not able to have a pet in the home, you can still enjoy the same stress-reducing benefits outside in nature. I’ve found so much joy just watching the birds that visit our bird feeder each day. We’ve become used to hearing their familiar chirps and songs each morning to start the day. We love watching them visit our window. Similarly, I’ve found it so comforting to visit the large waterfowl that live in the inlet nearby. I walk one trail regularly and often see the birds in their favorite spots. It’s wonderful to sit and watch them. It’s another activity that can help you embrace the present moment and stop the cycle of worrying. I’m not going to lie… I’m that person on the trails speaking out loud to each creature along the way. I always greet them with a “Hello, friend” and thank them for visiting with me. Yes, I do also say goodbye when I move on. (You talk to wild animals too, don’t you? It’s okay. I won’t tell.)

    Check out this post for more info on the benefits of raising kids around animals.

    7. Water

    Get in the water! I know it sounds extremely cliché to say take a bath, but TAKE A BATH. Or a shower. Or even go for a swim, if that’s an option for you. The reason we even exist is because our planet has water. The planet is mostly water. Our bodies are mostly water. And water can be extremely calming for humans. If you have kids, you may have used a nice, warm bath to calm your baby. It can work just as well for adults!

    natural ways to reduce anxiety

    I’ll be honest, I was never a bath-taker until recently but it has been an amazing tool for me when coping with anxiety. It took a lot of work (which sounds weird, I know) but I had to practice sitting in a bath! I was so used to moving quickly from one thing to the next, that it felt very uncomfortable to just sit in a bath and relax. If this sounds like you, try starting with 5-8 minutes and then add a few minutes each time you’re in there. I found that listening to meditation music or a podcast like Affirmation Pod with Josie also helps!

    Again, I know this one also sounds cliché, but drink more water. Seriously. Go get some right now. I’ll wait.

    Great! Your body thanks you for that!

    Your body takes in a lot of toxins every day. Not only are they unhealthy for you physically, but they’re unhealthy for your mental health. Drinking lots of water is one way you can help wash out those toxins. Water also helps your brain by preventing dehydration, which can cloud up your thinking. Your brain is about 75 percent water! And 1 in 4 adults is dehydrated right now. You need lots of water to make sure oxygen is flowing to your brain and ensure it has enough energy to produce serotonin. Dehydration can also be a trigger for panic attacks, so be absolutely sure you’re getting enough water every day.

    Treating anxiety with nature

    I know it seems simple. Almost too simple. But truly the most effective treatment for my own depression and anxiety has been to get back to basics. Get back to nature. Get closer to the life our bodies and minds lived for millions of years, before modern-day society changed everything.

    Three weeks. Do these things for three weeks consistently, and then reassess how you feel. I think you’ll be amazed.

    And if you don’t see improvements, or ever find yourself in a situation where you’re truly struggling, please ask for help. These are difficult times for everyone. You’re not alone. You can find a list of free, 24-hour helplines here. Don’t ever be afraid to pick up the phone and call.

    What are your favorite nature-based ways to improve your mental health?

    About the author

    Chelsea is a photographer, a mother of two busy boys, and a sunshine and fresh air addict. Her family lives in Virginia Beach, and they spend as much time outdoors as they possibly can! Most of their outdoor adventures involve exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. They love biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find them enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. They’re doing our best to reduce their carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when they arrived.

    You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
    Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
    RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong

  • CRAFTS, FALL, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES

    DIY Fall Fairy Garden in a Pumpkin

    Fall is such a magical time of year! The turning leaves, the beautiful colors and the crisp cool air! It’s also a great time for nature crafts and getting outside to play! One of our favorite ways to spark imagination and creative play in our kids is through fairy gardens. Today, Megan Rigdon, Maryland photographer and mom of three is sharing tips on how to create a fall-themed fairy garden with children! She’s included materials needed, a list of fall flowers that will look beautiful in the magical fall garden, as well as a delicious roasted pumpkin seed recipe for you to make with your little ones!

    DIY fall fairy garden for kids

    Children naturally live in the moment and they allow that moment to be what it is, magical and beautiful in every way” -April Peerless

    Magical childhood memories

    As I look back on my childhood, I have countless memories of times that felt magical! My cousins and I would create forts in my grandparents’ backyard. It did not feel like any old fort, it was a magnificent castle nestled in an enchanted forest. And when we were inside, when my mother would wash my hair in the bathtub, she would have me look way up high at the vent in the ceiling. That’s where the fairies lived! I would imagine the magical world that lived beyond that vent. I would squint my eyes so hard to see if I could see just one of the many fairies that lived up there. The creativity and imagination of little kids have no end!

    Keeping the magic alive

    When I became a mother myself, I was over the moon excited to create magical memories for children. Fast forward almost ten years. I am now a mom to three children (ages 5, 7, and 9). I absolutely love watching the magic of childhood through their eyes. And I love helping them create and magical places that inspire them to dream. My children enjoy sitting under our evergreen trees and play with their fairy garden that they recreate every summer. We plant a few shade-loving plants and add some fairy accessories to make the garden come to life! They spend hours and hours playing in the charming little garden.   

    pumpkin clean out

    Fall themed fairy garden

    Summer quickly came to an end up here and Maryland and we recently welcomed a brand new season. I noticed that our summer plants faded away in the kids’ fairy garden under the evergreen trees. A few weeks ago I asked my children if they would like to create a fall-themed fairy garden. They squealed with excitement and wanted to get started right away!

    The children picked out a few large pumpkins at our local family farm stand. We cut a large opening on the top of the pumpkin making sure it was wide enough to allow room for the fairies to play. Then, we scraped out the pumpkin seeds and set them aside in a bowl to make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds later that evening (recipe below). We filled each pumpkin with potting soil to the top and patted it down evenly.

    pumpkin clean out for fairy garden

    Fall friendly plants

    Next, we researched plants that would work well in pots in the fall time. Mums, Pansies, Marigolds, Violas, Celosias, Kale, Asters and Ornamental Peppers are all wonderful choices for a fairy garden in the fall. We had room for just about two plants to be added to each pumpkin. This allowed room for the fairies and some accessories too. The children dug a little hole, placed their plant in it, and patted it down gently. They loved this hands-on activity and the chance to get their hands dirty!

    pansy - fall friendly plants for fairy garden fall plants for use in pumpkin fairy gardenplanting mum in a pumpkin

    Fairy garden accessories

    The hard part was now behind us and they were ready to accessorize their fall fairy garden! This is probably the most fun part of the process for little kids and where you can really see their imagination and creativity coming to life! They get to use natural objects found around the yard and home to decorate and accessorize their fairy garden.

    The children found round-shaped rocks and painted them orange with acrylic paint. After the rocks were dry, they drew faces on the orange rocks to make them look like little jack-o-lanterns. My daughter ran over to the cornfield next to our house and picked a cob from the stalk. She pulled the kernels off of the cob and placed them in the soil to make it look like little stepping stones or trails in the garden. They gathered acorns from under our oak tree and pulled some moss that was growing on our patio. So many treasures were found just in our own backyard! The fairies and gnomes can be found at most craft stores. 

    little girl holding rocks - decorating fall pumpkin fairy gardenfall-themed fairy garden nature craft for kidswhat you need for making a fairy garden

    Fall fairy garden giggles

    I sat back and watched them giggle and come up with wonderful stories for their fairies as they explored in their new pumpkin fairy garden. The conversations and questions were priceless and adorable. You could literally see their eyes sparkle and their happiness overflow. My heart felt that same magical joy as I watched them play. 

    I have always believed in the magic of childhood and think that if you get your life right that magic should never end” – Colin Thompson.

    how to make an decorate a fall fairy garden with kidsfall fairy garden made from pumpkins

    Roasted pumpkin seed recipe

    When we cleaned out our pumpkins for the fairy gardens, I reminded my children to save the pumpkin seeds. We made the most delicious Roasted Pumpkin Seeds! To make these seeds, all you need to do is pull the seeds out of the pumpkin and separate them from any pulp. Wash and pat dry the seeds with a paper towel. Then, toss a cup and a half of the seeds in a bowl with two teaspoons of melted butter and a pinch of salt. Stir them up and then spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on oven temperature of 300 degrees. Let them cool. Pop them in your mouth and enjoy!

    Have you ever made a fall fairy garden?

    About the author

    Megan Rigdon is a mother to three energetic children and lives on their family farm in Harford County, Maryland. She is a lifestyle family photographer and a lover of joyful and colorful images. Megan has a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught Kindergarten prior to having her own family. They spend as much time as possible outdoors exploring the farm and going on adventures. Raising chickens, fishing, gardening, camping, and crafting are just a few of her favorite things to do with her family. 

    You can find more from Megan in the following locations:
    Professional Instagram: @meganrigdonphotography
    Personal Instagram: @megmrigdon
    Website: meganrigdonphotography.com
    RWMC posts: Megan Rigdon

  • BOOKS, GARDENING, INFORMATION, LESSONS, NATURE SCHOOL

    Homeschooling: Interest-Led Learning

    Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had the time to delve deeply into those topics that we’ve always been naturally curious about? Would you choose to study a particular time period? A historical figure?  An animal, weather phenomenon, or something else entirely? Today we have Nichole, Arkansas homeschooling mom of 2, here showing us what it looks like to tailor your children’s homeschooling lessons around their interests and passions. Interest-led learning is a customized and creative way of teaching and one of the things that makes homeschooling so incredibly unique and special.

    Interest-led learning homeschool tips

    Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire” – William Butler Yeats

    Homeschooling doesn’t have to be boring

    No really, homeschooling doesn’t have to be boring and driven by a curriculum you bought online. Homeschooling can be fun and personalized and engaging for everyone. How? Interest-led learning!

    For anyone not familiar with this concept, interest-led learning is the idea of following your children’s curiosity where it takes you and crafting homeschool lessons around their interests. You may also hear it called delight-directed learning, passion-oriented learning, or rabbit trailing (you follow the rabbit trail of your interests).

    Every kid has something that he or she is naturally interested in or curious about. As a homeschooling mom, you can take note of those topics and help a child learn about that interest. You can integrate your children’s passions into your homeschool rhythm if you are willing to support and nurture their growing interests. But sometimes you have to think outside the box.

    The big box of curriculum

    I’ve now been homeschooling for six years. It’s strange to think that I’m no longer a newbie at this. When we first decided to homeschool, I did what most people do and jumped right into internet searches. This was seven years ago, before homeschooling became a front and center hot topic. My internet searching and asking around led me to “the big box.”

    Boxed curriculum, as they’re called, are an all in one approach where all of the materials you will need can be ordered in one large order from one curriculum company. While these can be phenomenal resources for many families, I learned very quickly that it was not going to work for us. I spell out how I realized this and what I did to discover my style in HERE. What I quickly realized was that if I wanted to teach my children, I needed to hold their interest. But, how do you hold a child’s interest? Curiosity and passion.

    Enter: interest-led learning

    How to implement an interest led learning approach to homeschooling

    The lighting of a fire

    In my research, I stumbled on the educational philosophies of Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, unschooling, unit study, and countless others. All of these things kept bringing me back to what I felt pulling on my heart. I desperately wanted the education of my children to be the lighting of a spark, rather than a dousing of a flame.  My wish? That their curiosity would carry them through childhood and they’d step out into adulthood, unscathed and unmarred by my attempts to put round pegs in square holes.

    In our homeschool and our family, we believe in life-long learning and a permanent curiosity for the world around us. We believe that raising our children with the ability to know how to learn and to be constantly learning, are some of the keys to successful adulthood. Interest-led learning is a great way to keep that spark for curiosity alive and fuel their passions and interests. 

    You cannot teach a person anything; you can only help him find it within himself.” – Galileo

    homeschool interest led learning outdoor school

    Pancakes and spacewalks

    One of the first interest-led learning studies I put together for my kiddos was a space study unit. My sweet five-year-old boy was completely enthralled by outer space. We read all the books, we assembled our own solar system, we did the Oreo cookie moon phases, we did it all. And it was glorious! 

    My most favorite memory was a 5 AM pancake party to watch a spacewalk happen LIVE at the International Space Station. My children have always been early risers, but we woke extra early to watch the spacewalk happen. What a marvel of modern technology. I enjoyed chocolate chip pancakes with my children in our kitchen at home, while watching with stars in our eyes as the astronauts floated in space, with the beautiful orb of Earth just in view behind them. A few months later we took a family vacation to NASA headquarters in Houston, to seal in what we had learned and to stoke the flame a little more.

    I’ll give you a little hint, dear friends, if you can keep your own curiosity and sense of amazement intact, it will influence and inspire your children. Never be afraid to learn new things and share that awe with your children. 

    interest led learning nasa space study elementary education

    Study through story

    One of our favorite methods to learn comes from the Charlotte Mason philosophy – the idea of slowly working our way through beautiful stories. “Living books,” as they are called. The first slow march we did was to follow a little wooden canoe through the Great Lakes in the story Paddle to the Sea. One chapter per week, so we could also learn the flora, fauna, geography, and history surrounding the chapter. The following fall, while a part of a family vacation, we visited a park in Nipigon, Ontario dedicated to that story. We stood on the shores of Lake Michigan and recalled the adventure we had as we slowly studied a book. It was an incredible experience and you can read the full story HERE. 

    We also studied the Santa Fe Trail through Tree in the Trail. We followed it up with a road trip to visit family (read about it HERE), making stops along the way to solidify and complement what we had learned. Misty of Chincoteague was an easy favorite and I’ll never forget frolicking in the Atlantic waves just after we spotted a mother and foal on Assateague Island National Seashore. Again, you can read all about that trip HERE.

    These trips and family vacations are not what brought the learning to life. That was our own special way of celebrating our learning journey and what we’d accomplished. What brought the interest-led learning to life was a slow and steady pace through beautiful stories that my children connected with. That connection is what makes all the difference. 

    Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.” – Chinese Proverb

    interest led learning misty of chincoteague education

    What is interest-led learning?

    Interest-led learning really is as simple as it sounds. It can be applied to nearly any schooling philosophy you use. It’s a mindset and an approach to teaching your children. You recognize that they are whole persons, with their own passions and interests. Then, you take the time to gently uncover what sparks their curiosity.  This requires a habit of presence and noticing, seeing what makes your children light up.

    Do you have a hard time paying attention if you’re not interested in what’s being discussed? Do you struggle to listen if the topic is not personally relatable to you? It’s the same for your children. But, with interest-led learning, they’re doubly excited about the topic and learning because it’s tailor-made for them!

    Finding resources

    The most important concept with interest-led learning is this: YOU are in charge of finding what makes your children come alive and then you get the opportunity to use that as a tool to stoke their passion for learning.

    While that may sound intimidating, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we are quite literally swimming in homeschooling resources. Never before have there been so many incredible resources, many of which are available right from your phone or computer. An expert in interest-led learning and one of the most inspirational homeschoolers I know is Julie Bogart of Brave Homeschooler fame. Another one of my favorite resources for inspiration is the Wild + Free community, where you can connect with other homeschooling families in your area for support, camaraderie, and resources.

    It is… nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this it goes to wreck and ruin.  It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty.” – Albert Einstein

    Homeschool tips - how to implement interest based learning approach

    Lessons from our garden

    One of our favorite sources for interest-led learning is our backyard garden. As simple as it sounds, a backyard garden is an endless source or incredible lessons and activities. We do botany studies as we learn about seeds sprouting, how pollination happens, and how we get fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Last year, our garden provided us with an abundance of hands-on science lessons with our sunflowers and luffa plants. I’m certain that our sunflower dissection will go down as a favorite “Science Friday” (more on that HERE).

    Through gardening, my children learn about pollinators, all kinds of insects, seed saving, composting, and soil composition. They broadened their palates by tasting the wide variety of veggies, herbs and plants we grew. Recently, our garden studies went to the microbial level when we broke out the biology microscope and searched a soil suspension for nematodes and other microscopic life. 

    You can provide a rich and diverse education for your children, right from your own backyard. When you tune your own mind and heart to be constantly curious, it will unlock a universe of learning potential. 

    To see a World in a Grain of Sand
    And a Heaven in a Wild Flower 
    Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand…”
    – William Blake, Auguries of Innocence
    homeschool lessons from a backyard garden - interest led learning

    How interest-led learning is all-encompassing

    Interest-led learning is not a narrow education. While it may be one overarching topic, it can encompass so much and can be expanded to fit multiple children, in multiple age groups, and span multiple subjects. The only limit is your own creativity!

    What does interest led learning look like?

    So, what does it look like to start with a child’s interest and structure homeschooling lessons around that topic? How do you incorporate all the different subjects they need to learn? Let’s take the example of gardening:

    • Science – seed growth, leaf types, pollination, soil content, composting, fertilization, growing the same plant in different soil types or lighting levels, etc. 
    • History – the history surrounding the cultivation of plants – ancient civilization and Indigenous gardening techniques, crop rotation, slash and burn, the movement of seeds around the globe, the rise and fall of cash crops, etc.
    • Language arts – gardening picture books, reading and narration of nature/garden inspired books, create a fictional story that takes place in your backyard garden, craft a report about the garden at the end of the season, etc. 
    • Math – seed counting and sorting, plotting how many seeds sprout and graphing production results, chart the color of zinnias that bloom, measure daily growth, older students can work on planning out square foot gardening, measure garden space, determine how many plants can be grown, etc. 
    • Foreign language – learn the words for the plants, vegetables, flowers, etc. 
    • Miscellaneous – make natural dyes with flowers from the garden, eat a meal entirely from the garden (culinary arts), produce something for a local farmers market and let the kids take the lead (entrepreneurship), create a garden space just for the kids and step back, practice floral arrangements, create nature collages, go on a color scavenger hunt, etc. 

    When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

    interest led learning sunflower dissection education hands on learning

    Next up

    In our homeschool, we are currently taking an extended dive into ocean studies. Why? Because my son as expressed interest in being a marine biologist and loves the ocean! His current favorite book is one about Jacques Cousteau in the WhoHQ series.

    We are also reading Island of the Blue Dolphins, the Burgess Seashore Book, and A Seal Called Andre. Up next: Pagoo, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Disney Plus has come in handy with all of the ocean documentaries and we were absolutely enthralled with a National Geographic documentary about a voyage to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. 

    You are not alone

    This homeschooling journey can be a hard one and may feel lonely at times. However, I promise you that you are not alone. Interest-led learning is an easy way to infuse joy, passion and excitement in your education process. It’s a wonderful way to show your child how much fun it is to follow their curiosities and an amazing way to really get to know them and their interests. 

    And if you’re ever feeling lonely or have questions on where to start or how to do this, there is a beautiful and welcoming homeschool community out there. I, personally, am here to talk anytime you need to. Thanks for reading, friends!

    Be sure to check out my article about crystal digging and how it’s a great hands-on geology lesson! 

    coleyraeh luckey wanderersPhoto by Tiffany of Three Moons Photography

    Are you homeschooling this year?
    Are you doing any interest-led learning?

    About Nichole

    Nichole is mama to two incredible adventurers, an older boy and a younger girl. They are in their sixth year of homeschooling. She’s married to her best friend and they share a mutual love for the outdoors. An Iowan native now living in the south, she is happy to claim Arkansas as home. She is a wanderlust (and coffee) fueled, fearless, road tripper who has been known to take off for epic adventures at a moment’s notice. Hiking and camping (of the backpacking variety) and crystal digging are a few of their favorite family activities. You can find her in the woods somewhere, probably up a creek, and jumping off waterfalls.

    You can find more from Nichole online in the following locations:
    Website: http://www.luckeywanderers.com
    Instagram: @coleyraeh
    RWMC posts: Nichole

  • GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Ways to Reconnect With Nature as a Family

    This year has tested and challenged us in more ways than we ever could have imagined. There’s been so much uncertainty, stress, and exhaustion over the last six months and that’s taken a toll on our physical and mental health. As parents, we tend to feel the effects more deeply and have experienced more unprecedented change and pressure than ever before. Today, we have a beautiful story about what happens when a mom in healthcare experiences burnout. Amber of @PlayLiveBe and her kids dive into the science of nature where they find renewal and healing. In these wild spaces, they reconnect with nature as a family, create food memories, and tap into an overflowing wellspring of life. Here’s how they’re doing it and how you can reconnect with nature as a family. 

    the importance of reconnecting with nature for families in uncertain times 1

    Adjusting to a new normal

    This year has been so unique and challenging in ways we ever anticipated. Every day is the same and also completely different and unique. Yet, I am aware of one consistent thread woven throughout 2020…the anticipation of change. Change comes in the form of news updates, illness, and job revision. It can be a family reorganization, new budget constraints, modified educational delivery, and more. For someone like me, change can be unpredictable and unsettling.

    I am every bit a Type-A planner who schedules time for “exploration and adventure”. While I appreciate spontaneity and last-minute adventures, that’s not usually the way we head out the door.  However, thanks to some awesome nature research, the last decade has helped me regain my life balance. Translated, this means I can now hike without planning too far ahead.

    I am also an Emergency Medicine Provider on the frontlines. While I am accustomed to the usual stress of my job, nothing could have prepared me for this year and the changes and challenges 2020’s brought with it. In fact, these last 6 months have been a blur. While the world has shut down in many ways, health care has not and we are busier than ever.

    Some days I work a “normal” shift. Other days I work in a parking lot. By noon, temps on the asphalt are nearly 140°F and the gauges inside our PPE suits read 20° higher. Today, I lose 10 pounds of sweat and am thankful for a short, 8-hour shift.

    I survive the initial pandemic waves on pure adrenalin, coffee, and dark chocolate. But it isn’t long before sleep deprivation and exhaustion set in…and that is when my emotional state deteriorates. My organized, well-planned life is unraveling.

    reconnecting with nature to overcome stress

    The healing power of nature

    Disappointment, sadness, anxiety, anger and stress begin to predominate my mental state. And then I feel nothing at all.

    After weeks, why can’t I remember how to rescue myself and reach for a sense of calm?

    I don’t know, but I can say this: nature’s infinite beauty calls me. The power in her waterfalls, the melody of her twilight crickets, and the hum of her honeybees. Nature’s unparalleled ability to persevere is astounding.

    So I do what speaks to my soul: I reach out to the natural world and find myself embraced by her seasonal rhythms. I reconnect with nature to heal and soothe.

    The moon continues to scroll through phases, wildflowers bloom on cue, fruit hangs low on the vine, and rivers flow. It is how it always has been…recurring, stunningly beautiful, and healing.

    ways to help your family reconnect with nature and heal

    Ways to reconnect with nature and heal as a family

    Now, reconnected to something greater than myself, I feel my perception of the world begin to shift. I begin to experience positive emotions in abundance: calm, peace, focus, happiness, optimism, motivation and inspiration. This is what it feels like to come alive!

    Time outside is sooo good for our brain. Not surprisingly, it also improves our physical health. A staggering amount of research supports the following:

    • Time spent surrounded by nature improves vitamin D levels and reduces obesity.
    • It lowers cholesterol and decreases our lifelong risk of heart disease.
    • Nature calms ADHD and anxiety; it alleviates depression and makes us more creative.

    As a mom, we know internal journeys are rarely afforded personal space in which to grow. 😊 So, let me tell you about some of the family-friendly nature adventures that helped pull me…and all of us…back to center. Here are a few ways you can reconnect with nature as a family and help heal your spirit, minds, and bodies. 

    reconnect with nature to heal as a family

    Daily interaction with green spaces

    I love the Scandinavian phrase “there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing”. It’s an expression I quote as my kids complain of being sent outside in the rain or heat. The same phrase we say before hiking…we walk through the woods in all kinds of weather; except of course during lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes. (10 out of 10 do NOT recommend.) 

    In her book, The Nature Fix, Florence Williams promotes a concept called the nature pyramid as a recommended guide for ensuring adequate doses of nature to all humankind. It is comprised of gradually increasing time in nature…and it works along a dose curve. Meaning, the more time we spend in nature the more beneficial returns we are afforded. 

    Williams says daily interaction with green spaces in the form of a park bench or water fountain “help us destress, find focus and lighten our mental fatigue.” This has been our daily routine for the last 7 years: breakfast followed by outside free play. It is during this time when my kids make mud pies, dig trenches and collect acorns. This is so beneficial but according to the nature dose curve, we can do better.

    The next level of the pyramid is similar to the Finnish model of weekly, hour-long outings in quieter spaces. This is when we visit a regional park with a natural water source. We pack lunch, sit by the river and enjoy time away from responsibility. By frequenting the same natural space we are able to observe seasonal rhythms in the plants and animals where we play.

    Moving further up the nature pyramid we find monthly excursions to natural areas, time here is measured in hours. Scientists who study interactions between our immune system and forest immersions like this are completely inundated by positive research. The results are astounding and cannot be replicated by streaming a babbling brook on your big screen TV.

    the benefits of spending time outdoors in naturethe importance of getting outside with your kids during stressful times

    Hike near water

    At the very top of Williams’ research-based nature pyramid are the rare but essential multi-day bursts of wildness we need once a year. Intense bursts of immersion in nature, near a natural water source, will “rearrange our very core, catalyze our hopes and dreams, fill us with awe and offer reassurance of our place in the universe.”

    This is our brain on nature and it’s breathtakingly amazing.

    As scientists quantify nature’s effects on our mood, well-being, and ability to think we are reminded of the numerous aspects of life a hefty dose of nature can help. These include memory, planning, ability to create, daydream, and focus.

    It is no surprise that my self-prescribed intense nature therapy is transformational to my outlook on life. I have been pulled to a happier, healthier, more content mental space after spending time outdoors. 

    Of all the places my family wanders, acorn collecting and backyard mud pits are the most common. However, hikes near water remain our favorite! Hiking is so incredibly beneficial to your physical and mental well-being. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in your environment and reconnect with nature. Add some water, whether it’s a babbling brook, a little pond, a beautiful lake or a river and it elevates the experience for you and the kids.

    Slippery rocks and uneven surfaces provide massive stimuli to a growing brain while the sound of running water soothes us all. Throwing rocks is a blast for the kids and can provide endless fun. Plants and animals that live in and near the water add to the excitement and provide opportunities to learn. 

    how nature heals and the benefits of spending time outsidereconnect with nature through food and outdoor dining

    Connect outside with food

    Some of my most compelling childhood memories exist at the intersection of food and emotion. These moments of consciousness are packed with incredible detail. Each given $1 a week, my brother and I bought chocolate coins and bubblegum cigars; very rarely, we saved the money. Sometimes we were able to snag our favorite treats…those sold in frozen form.

    My memory of the Pink Panther ice cream is inexplicably linked to grass-stained feet and mosquito-bitten legs. We chased the unforgettable sound of an ice cream truck, muddy arms waving enthusiastically over our heads, a wrinkled dollar bill clutched in our fist.

    That incredibly delicious frozen bar tasted more like cough syrup than cherry, but it was all I ever wanted. Round ears set atop a light pink face with not one, BUT TWO gumball eyes. I tried in vain to make that purchase last all night; I even licked the drips running down my arm.

    This is the junction of food and emotion; it is what scientists refer to as “the strongest associative memories you can make”. These food memories are not just an illustration of intersectionality they represent a critical juncture that invokes powerful memories of lived experience.

    It is my hope that some of our outdoor family adventures will converge with our time in the kitchen to create some of the most intense memories my children’s subconscious will ever establish. One way we help our kids understand seasonality is with a backyard garden. Growing your own food in an incredibly powerful way to reconnect with nature. 

    reconnect with nature through outdoor food experiences

    Though small, we care for this space with great responsibility. We tend the soil, plant the seeds and all the tiny sprouts then we wait with great anticipation for harvest to begin. We reconnect with nature through growing a garden and caring for the earth. It is here we find that kids are more willing to try new fruits and veggies if they have established a connection before it lands on their plate.

    We watch cucumber plants unfurl their vines and attach tendrils for support. We celebrate the first yellow flower and pollinator arrival. Because of this connection, my kids now love cucumbers in all shapes and forms…munching them fresh off the vine, as an acidic pickle or sprinkled with sea salt and eaten as a snack.

    Our nature walks remind us that the first honeysuckle drenched breeze of early summer means blackberry vines are flowering too. It won’t be long before we will walk, buckets in hand, along a path covered in wild berries. We taste as we go and learn to look for ripe fruit that has turned from tart red to sweet purple.

    Through berry stuffed mouths I hear my Little People ask: “Mama, can we make kid-sized pies with some of these?”

    Yes, we certainly can! Back in the kitchen, we work together. As flour and butter combine, somehow ingredients find themselves everywhere. How does that even happen?! Again, we taste as we go and talk about the importance of keeping this dough cold…heat from the oven hits ice-cold pockets of butter and creates steam.

    This is the science that magically creates flaky layers in our pie crust. Before long we pull delectable little pockets of summertime goodness out of the oven. Handpicked blackberries tucked inside crisp little shells. These hand pies practically dance on the pan…glittered with demerara sugar you might start dancing too!

    Perhaps one day when my kids are fully grown they will pick fresh berries alongside honeysuckle flowers, bite into a crisp pastry shell, taste blueberry cheesecake or drink sumac-ade and acquire some serious gastronomic déjà vu.

    homemade blackberry hand pies for kids

    Remember your why

    It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as the world gets busy again. In those weeks where I existed mainly in the blue, the pressure was mounting and I had to withdraw from nonessential tasks. What started as an innocent attempt to learn from groups with great ideas quickly became something larger than myself.

    I was no longer forming my own thoughts so I hit pause and removed social media platforms from my phone. During my social media fast, I worked on listening to myself think and on cultivating real relationships. What a wild thought!

    These incredible people supported me, held me accountable, felt my loss, and celebrated victories. Rather than stare at a screen, I strengthened bonds with my family. We immersed ourselves in nature, became allies with the land and the food it provides.

    We visited farmers’ markets, walked in rivers, danced in the rain, enjoyed an isolated beach, picked tomatoes, read tons of books and we played. Golly jeepers, we played; never before has fun been so important. We reconnected to nature and the physical beautiful world around us. The best part…I began to feel again.

    Throughout this time of reflection, I was able to sort through my emotions and remember my why, my raison d’être, my reason for existence.

    As it turns out my heart was there all along; but as I increased the noise in my life I lost touch with her voice.

    I returned to the world of social media, not surprisingly my first action was to delete anything toxic: people, groups, organizations. I even deleted entire social platforms. But I added so much more.

    The people, food, locations and ideas on my feed are more colorful now than ever before. I follow more National Parks and organizations committed to preserving these incredible spaces. I follow mamas who are getting it right: those who share real stories…real images…demonstrate life balance…and immerse their families in nature. 

    Importantly, I share an authentic version of myself. 

    All of these changes have given me a new way to reconnect with nature in a way that feels genuine and refreshing.

    how to reconnect with nature on social media

    The beginning of a new opportunity

    Just as the moon moves across the sky in phases, so too was this walk with emotions in my life. Tonight is a New Moon; a dark sky, perhaps symbolic of the season from which I just emerged.

    But this is a sky filled with incredible promise. Tonight will be dark but the stars will shine brightly in celebration of a full moon to come. My family and I have been given a new beginning; an opportunity to reimagine the framework of our life. A chance to reconnect with nature in new ways and fully appreciate and understand the significance of the world around us.

    The future will have uncertainties but one thing is sure: we will remain connected to nature and each other. These wild spaces and the food memories it provides deliver energy to our soul; for that wellspring of life, we are incredibly thankful.

    These are the elements that sustain us, maintain our focus, and fill our hearts with contentment.

    healing power of nature and benefits to kids

    So now the real questions…

    How are YOU doing this year?
    Are you and your family reconnecting with nature?
    How can we help?

    About the author

    Amber is a seeker of moments and a dream chaser. She is a lover of wild spaces, good food, red wine, and dark chocolate. She worldschools her two kids (2nd and K), volunteers a bit too much, and is an Emergency Medicine Provider working with the Southeast Region’s largest COVID-19 response team. For more real-life adventures you can follow Amber and her family on Instagram @PlayLiveBe or check out their website at http://www.playlivebe.com.

  • CRAFTS, GARDENING, GIFT GUIDE, GOOD FOR NATURE, HOLIDAYS

    DIY Eco-friendly Plantable Seed Paper Valentines

    February is the month of love! We not only want to encourage you to spread love to friends and family, but to make sure you’re also loving on your planet. As Valentine’s Day approaches, parents are faced with trying to figure out what to send to class with the kids. We know plastic trinkets, individually wrapped candies, and pre-printed cards are fun and easy. But those things aren’t always great for the environment.  This year we hope you’ll consider some eco-friendly alternatives. Today, we have the amazing Chelsea, professional photographer and eco-conscious mom of 2, sharing a simple project for turning recyclable paper into adorable Valentines that are good for the birds and bees! Chelsea walks us through how to make DIY wildflower plantable seed paper Valentines that are fun  and easy for kids to make from materials you already have at home.

    DIY seed paper valentines

    Making a change

    Each year I try to make a few changes in our lives that allow us to leave a smaller footprint on Earth. As I was thinking about what to do for this year’s valentines for my kids’ classmates, I realized this was another area we could make improvements. It seems like every year my kids bring home more and more stuff from their class holiday parties. Little plastic trinkets, individually wrapped candies, plastic baggies stuffed to the brim with junk that eventually ends up in the trash.

    And let me be honest, my kids absolutely LOVE IT. They love receiving all those fun treats and they love giving them out as well. But this year I can’t do it. I can’t add to the growing problem. So, I decided to find an alternative that would more closely match our values.

    DIY plantable seed paper Valentines

    Instead of buying something that would be thrown away, we decided to make something. These DIY plantable seed paper valentines made from recycled paper are a perfect alternative to the usual store-bought valentine items! They check all of the boxes when it comes to a Valentine that aligns with our values. They’re handmade, which allows for me to spend extra time with the kids. They’re made from recycled materials, giving a new life to things that would otherwise be thrown away. And they’re plantable, which means our little Valentines will keep on giving long after we’ve gifted them!

    Not only will these homemade Valentines provide beauty when they’re grown, but they’re extra good for the environment. We deliberately chose a wildflower pack that’s specifically made for birds and butterflies! Win-win for everyone! We had so much fun creating these eco-friendly seed paper valentines and hope you will too. They’re super simple to make and absolutely adorable!

    Plantable seed paper materials

    The great thing about these Valentines is that you don’t really need anything special to make them! Other than the wildflower seeds, you probably already have all the materials necessary to make your own plantable seed paper at home right now. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

    • Paper scraps
    • Food dye (optional)
    • Wildflower seeds
    • Water
    • Large bowl
    • Blender or food processor
    • Grease splatter screen (or screen material)
    • Towels
    • Cookie sheet
    • Pencil
    • Scissors

    DIY Eco-friendly recycled plantable seed paper valentine

    How to make plantable seed paper

    I was pleasantly surprised just how fun and easy it is to make your own DIY plantable wildflower seed paper. It didn’t take us long at all and we were so happy with the way it turned out. The paper is also so versatile and can be used for any variety of holidays, gifts or projects. Tuning the plantable paper into Valentines was so much fun and we truly loved the way they turned out.

    Step 1: Gather paper and rip

    The first step is to gather scrap paper and let the children rip up the paper into small pieces. I highly recommend using paper that has been used and that you’d normally recycle, as opposed to new clean paper. You can really use any kind of paper, from printer paper to construction paper. You can use junk mail, papers from the kids’ schoolwork that you aren’t keeping, flyers, old coloring book pages or even newspapers.

    We used a stack of papers that would be normally tossed into the recycling bin. We also used one piece of red construction paper, just for some added color. You can use any colored paper depending on the color you want your seed paper to be, or just leave it out altogether.

    How to make wildflower seed paper

    Step 2: Soak the paper

    Next, place the ripped pieces of paper into a bowl of water. Let the paper bits sit in the water for 10-15 minutes to allow the paper to fully soak and saturate.

    DIY wildflower seed paper with kids Tutorial on how to make plantable seed paper Eco-friendly valentines for kids

    Step 3: Puree to a pulp

    Once the recycled paper is soaked, place the pulpy mixture into a blender or food processor. If you want create colored paper, now is the time to add a few drops of food coloring to the mix. We used two drops of red dye for ours. Put it all in the blender and liquefy it! This step should definitely be supervised by an adult!

    *Please note: the blending can be hard on appliances so you’ll want to use a high-quality appliance. This may also dull your blades. Blend at your own risk*

    Homemade eco-friendly Valentines for kids from recycled materials Eco-friendly recycled Valentine plantable seed paper wildflower seed paper tutorial plantable seed paper tutorial DIY Eco-friendly recycled plantable seed paper valentine

    Step 4: Add seeds and spread

    Place a towel on a cookie sheet. Then place a splatter screen over towel. Once the paper mixture has been blended into a pulp, pour it back into the bowl. Then mix the wildflower seeds into the recycled paper pulp.

    Have the children use a spoon or their hands to spread the pulp onto the screen. Using your hands or a spoon, spread the pulp as thinly and evenly as possible over the entire screen, pressing lightly to squeeze out any extra water. The towel beneath the screen will also help absorb the extra water that comes out of the paper.

    Easy instructions for make plantable seed paper with kids Easy to make plantable seed paper with kids

    Step 5: Let dry

    Once the pulp has been evenly spread on the screens, leave it to dry. Drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the pulp and humidity. Our paper took several days to dry completely. Give it time! During the drying process, you’ll need to remove the wet towels under the paper and replace them with dry towels. Once the seed paper was stiff enough to handle without falling apart, I flipped it once to help with the drying time.

    DIY recycled seed paper valentines

    Step 6: Cut into shapes

    When the plantable seed paper is completely dry and stiff, it’s ready to be made into Valentines! Use a cookie cutter as your template or even just a cutout shape of your choosing. We chose a heart (naturally!). Trace your shape onto the seed paper using a marker and then carefully cut them out. You may want to have the children do the tracing and have an adult do the cutting because the paper is quite fragile!

    How to make plantable seed paper valentines with kids from recycled materialsdiy plantable wildflower seed paper tutorial

    Step 7: Share the love!

    Once you have your plantable seed paper cutout into the shape of your choice, that’s it!  Your frugal, earth-friendly valentines are complete and ready to give to friends, neighbors and family members. Let them know that they just need to plant the paper in a sunny spot to grow a beautiful little patch of wildflowers that will brighten their days and help the birds and bees. You could even print off some cute cards with fun phrases on them to attach to the Valentines. Pinterest has some great free printables to use!

    eco-friendly Valentines for kids - diy plantable seed paper

    Plantable seed paper makes a great gift! 

    Plantable seed paper doesn’t only have to be for Valentine’s Day. You can make wildflower seed paper for so many occasions, using any kind of cutout shape, size or color. So it would be great for Earth Day, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion or holiday. These little cutouts make a great take-home favor for birthday parties and bridal/baby showers as well.

    Do you make your own Valentines?
    How do you make holidays more eco-friendly?

    About the author

    Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. Our family loves biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

    You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
    Client work: @chelsea.lyn.photography
    Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
    RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong

  • GARDENING, GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly Snacks from the Garden

    It may officially be fall, but the plants in my garden are still going strong! We’ve got heirloom and cherry tomatoes for days, squash and carrots that are still growing and lots of herbs, onions, and potatoes! We’ve talked extensively on this website about the benefits of gardening with children and how fun and easy it can be to grow fruits, veggies, and flowers. And while it’s an absolute blast to dig in the dirt and care for your plants, the real fun comes when you get to eat them! Today, we have Wisconsin mom, photographer, and homesteader Brandi Rondinelli here sharing four quick and easy ways to make kid-friendly snacks from the garden. These snacks are the perfect way for you to enjoy the fruits of all your hard work with the kids in a healthy, easy, and delicious way!

    Gardening with kids

    There is nothing more rewarding than growing your own food! Am I right or am I right? Having the ability to go into your yard and gather food for dinner, lunch and snacks is so neat! It’s a novelty that still amazes me every year. And my kids love it just as much as I do! The whole gardening process is an amazing experience for both kids and adults. From choosing the plants we want to grow to planning the garden and then carefully planting the seeds, my kids are involved in the process from day one. They love having a say about what we’ll grow, and they learn so much about the life cycle of plants.

    Watching the sprouts come in and tending to each plant daily over the course of the summer is also quite an experience for the kids. We love taking care of our plants, nurturing them, and singing to them. But in my opinion, harvesting your crop of fruits and vegetables is my favorite part of the process! There’s nothing like biting into a strawberry you grew with love or serving a meal to your family that you took care of together.

    Benefits of gardening with kids

    There are so many amazing benefits of gardening with kids. Creating a garden with your children is a wonderful way to spend quality time with them outside and teach them about nature and the environment. Kids get the benefits of fresh air, sunshine, and outdoor activity. It teaches them responsibility for caring for living things by watering, pruning, weeding, and fertilizing. Gardening teaches them patience and tenacity. It makes them think about where their food is coming from and encourages them to eat healthy. Planting a garden is a cheap and easy activity that educates and nourishes. It’s a great life skill, and of course, it’s fun!

    easy and healthy kid-friendly snack ideas from the gardenQuick & Easy Kid-Friendly Snacks from the Garden

    Easy kid-friendly snacks from the garden

    My kids love being part of the gardening process, but they really get excited about our harvesting days. When our plants are ready, we’ll spend the whole day harvesting, canning\storing & eating all of our goodies! Just the pure joy on their faces pulling out the carrots that they’ve watched grow for months is worth every dirty fingernail. I definitely try to transfer this excitement about harvesting into eating our haul! Here are a couple of quick and easy ways that we make kid-friendly snacks from the garden.

    Straight from the garden snack ideas for kidsKid-Friendly Snacks from the Garden

    Straight from the garden snack ideas

    My favorite way to eat the goodies from our garden is straight off the plant, outside in the sunshine! There’s something absolutely divine about plucking a cherry tomato off the vine and tasting the warm sweetness of it! It’s heavenly, and I highly recommend you try it! There are so many different fruits and veggies you can plant that you can eat straight from the garden, with little to no prep work. Here are a few kid-approved snack ideas straight from the garden!

    • sliced cucumbers
    • strawberries
    • cherry tomatoes
    • sugar snap peas
    • green beans
    • bell peppers

    Kid-Friendly Snacks from the Garden

    Tips for enjoying veggies straight from the garden

    Letting kids eat veggies straight out of the garden can be a fun and educational experience, but it’s important to ensure their safety and health. Here are some tips for parents:

    1. Thoroughly Wash the Vegetables: Even if they’re homegrown, you may want to wash the vegetables to remove dirt, insects, and any potential contaminants. Use clean, running water, and consider using a vegetable brush for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
    2. Teach Proper Handling: Show kids how to properly pick and handle vegetables to avoid damaging plants and ensure cleanliness. Encourage them to use clean hands or tools.
    3. Inspect for Pests: Check vegetables for signs of pest infestation. While some insects are harmless, others can carry diseases. Remove any insects before consumption.
    4. Avoid Chemical Pesticides: If you use any pesticides in your garden, ensure they are safe for food crops and follow the recommended waiting period before harvesting. Organic and natural pest control methods are often safer for gardens where children will be eating the produce directly.
    5. Supervise Younger Children: Always supervise younger children to ensure they’re not eating plants or parts of plants that aren’t safe for consumption. Educate them on which vegetables are safe to eat and which are not.
    6. Introduce Gradually: If your children are not used to eating raw vegetables, introduce them gradually to avoid any digestive discomfort. Start with small quantities and observe how they react.
    7. Emphasize Cleanliness: Encourage good hygiene by having kids wash their hands before and after handling garden produce.
    8. Educate on Edible Parts: Teach kids about which parts of the plant are edible and which are not. For example, tomato leaves and stems are not edible, while the fruit is.
    9. Be Aware of Allergies: Keep an eye out for any allergic reactions, especially if it’s a new vegetable your child is trying for the first time. Consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about food allergies.
    10. Use Safe Water Sources: Ensure the water source used for your garden is safe and clean, as contaminated water can transfer pathogens to your vegetables.

    By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your children as they explore and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their gardening efforts.

    Benefits of gardening with kids & Kid-Friendly Snacks from the Gardenroasted kale chip recipe for kids

    Kale chips from the garden

    One of our favorite super easy kid-friendly snacks from the garden is kale chips! We plant kale in the spring and pick handfuls of it throughout the summer for chips, salads and side dishes. The kids loves making kale chips and we try to keep it around all the time for a quick easy grab-and-go snack that’s healthy and delicious.  The recipe couldn’t be easier and within minutes of picking, you have a tasty snack for the whole family!

    Kale chip cooking directions:

    1. Rip the kale into small/medium pieces and place in a large bowl
    2. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the kale (be sure not to drench as they will end up soggy)
    3. Add salt or seasoning of your choice (e.g. garlic salt, ranch seasoning packet, etc.)
    4. Toss to coat
    5. Bake in the oven at 300 degrees for about 8 minutes or until crispy
    6. Enjoy!

    Juicing from the garden - kid-friendly juice recipes and ideas

    Juicing from the garden

    Juicing is another wonderful way to incorporate your garden goodies into kid-friendly snacks from the garden. Making our own juice is one of our favorite ways to get more fruits and vegetables into our meals. The benefits of juicing are plenty! From lowering cholesterol to building your immune system, boosting your energy and improving digestion. But the best part about juicing is that it’s so easy! You can use whatever you have on hand. Feel free to throw in fruits and veggies from your garden, but also anything you have in the fridge (not from your garden).

    There are a million different juice recipes and you can customize any of them to your taste or needs. If you grow celery, you can juice just celery for some amazing benefits!  Carrots with beets, cucumbers and kale make a great juice, using all ingredients from your garden.

    One of our favorite green juice recipes is made by blending the following: 2 apples, 2 bunches of kale, 1 thumb of ginger, 2 cucumbers, 1.5 lemons, 1/2 a pineapple, and 6 oz of water. Oh man, this one is good! It’s green, but the kids love it!

    Creative ways to get kids eating garden fruits and vegetablesHow to incorporate more garden vegetables into your children's diet

    Garden herb-infused water for kids

    Herbs are another fun plant to include in your garden and use in various ways. You can use herbs for seasoning meals, making teas, infused oils and even soaps, if you are feeling creative 🙂 This year, we grew the following herbs: Mint, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender, Sage, and Basil. We used all of these herbs in so many different ways, either fresh from the garden or dried for later use.

    One of our favorite ways to incorporate fresh herbs into our diet is to make herb-infused drinks for the kids. The subtle flavors of infused water are so much better for kids and adults than the overly sweet flavor of most juices. Also, most fruit juice also contains a lot of sugar, which you avoid with infused waters.

    kid friendly fruits and vegetables to grow in your garden

    There are so many great combinations of fruits, vegetables and herbs to add to water to make it more fun and flavorful. Infused water is best 2 to 4 hours after you’ve made it. Or, you can let it infuse overnight in the refrigerator. Here are few delicious and herb-infused waters for kids:

    • cucumbers and rosemary
    • basil and strawberries
    • lemon (or lime) and mint
    • orange slices and basil
    • honeydew and mint
    • watermelon and basil
    • red pepper, pineapple and basil
    • apple and thyme

    Gardening with Kids

    More garden snacks for kids

    Here are a few more creative ways kids can eat and enjoy vegetables from the garden. These ideas can help make vegetables more appealing and enjoyable for kids while incorporating the freshness and nutrition of garden-grown produce.

    1. Veggie Sticks with Dips:
      • Slice cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and celery into sticks.
      • Serve with a variety of dips like hummus, ranch, or yogurt-based dips.
    2. Homemade Veggie Chips:
      • Thinly slice vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or beets.
      • Toss with a little olive oil and bake until crispy.
    3. Garden Fresh Salsa:
      • Combine diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cilantro.
      • Add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt for a fresh salsa to enjoy with chips or as a topping.
    4. Veggie-Packed Smoothies:
      • Blend spinach or kale with fruits like bananas, strawberries, and a splash of juice or milk.
      • Add a spoonful of honey for sweetness if needed.
    5. Zucchini Bread or Muffins:
      • Incorporate grated zucchini into a bread or muffin recipe.
      • These can be a sweet and healthy snack or dessert.
    6. Stuffed Peppers:
      • Hollow out bell peppers and fill with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and cheese.
      • Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
    7. Cucumber Sandwiches:
      • Slice cucumbers into rounds and use them as a base for mini sandwiches.
      • Add fillings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, or turkey slices. Serve them at a fun outdoor tea party! 
    8. Veggie Pizza:
      • Top a pizza crust with tomato sauce, cheese, and an assortment of garden vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach.
      • Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    9. Carrot Cake:
      • Use freshly grated carrots in a homemade carrot cake recipe.
      • This can be a delicious dessert that sneaks in some extra veggies.

    Benefits of gardening with kids

    Garden snacks for kids

    I can’t tell you enough how much I love gardening with my kids and enjoying the fruits of our labor together (pun intended). I highly recommend that you try gardening with your kids so you can enjoy so many of the wonderful benefits. If you don’t have the room or the time to maintain a large garden, there are still options, like indoor potted plants, window sill herb gardens and community gardens.  Kids will reap benefits from even the tiniest of gardens, so don’t let size stop you.  I hope your little ones like these kid-friendly snacks from the garden as much as mine do!4 creative ways to get kids to eat more garden vegetables straight from the garden snack ideas for kids

    What’s your favorite way to eat from your garden?

    About the author

    I’m a wife, published photographer & mother of two little wolves. We are a homesteading family & love everything about the outdoors. We have traveled all around Wisconsin and hiked 21 state parks in just 2 years. From raising chickens, kids, having a full garden & a photography business, you could say we stay busy but we always have time for an adventure and new memories.

    You can find Brandi online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @motherhenshomestead
    Website: http://www.soulshinephotographer.com
    Run Wild My Child posts: Brandi Rondinelli

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, GARDENING, GOOD FOR NATURE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    How to Plant a Butterfly Garden with Your Child

    The joy of digging in the dirt, growing flowers, and watching butterflies alight on fragrant blooms make growing a butterfly garden a magical summertime activity for kids of all ages. Today, we have the amazing outdoor adventure mom Josée, from The Backwoods Mama, here teach us all about why butterflies matter, what flower they’re attracted to and how to help butterflies thrive by planting a butterfly garden with your child. Planting a butterfly garden is a wonderful project for children of all ages. And you don’t have to have a lot of space; you can grow a butterfly garden nearly anywhere!

    The butterfly is a flying flower, The flower a tethered butterfly.” – Ponce Denis Écouchard Lebrun

    A budding interest in flowers and butterflies

    “Maman, look! It’s a butterfly!” my daughter exclaimed with delight.

    A beautiful tiger swallowtail alighted on a flower in our garden. We quietly watched as the butterfly sipped nectar and then fluttered away on the warm summer breeze.

    Flowers and butterflies have been the topic of many conversations in our home lately. It all started when my children received a special parcel with fifteen tiny little painted lady caterpillars. As those little caterpillars, grew so did our collection of library books on butterflies and flowers. Soon, we were making lists of flowers that butterflies like and making trips to our local garden centre. We had decided to plant a butterfly garden for our soon to hatch painted ladies.

    Why do butterflies matter?

    Butterflies are some of the most beautiful insects on our planet. Their delicate wings dance like flowers in the wind. However, butterflies are much more than pretty bugs; they are very important for healthy habitats.

    Butterflies are crucial pollinators. Some plants, like milkweed, depend on butterflies to help them reproduce. Butterflies are also an important food source for birds, amphibians, reptiles and other creatures. Butterflies are even considered an “indicator” species because they are very sensitive to changes in habitat.

    Sadly, the fragile butterfly is under threat because of habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use. Don’t despair! That’s where you and your child can help. Growing a butterfly garden helps butterflies by giving them food to eat and a safe place to rear their young.

    Attractor flowers for butterflies

    Did you know that butterflies can see the color red? It’s true! That’s why many butterflies prefer flowers that are bright red, orange and yellow. Butterflies also taste with their feet – yum!

    Another interesting fact about butterflies is that they are picky eaters. Each species of butterfly has its own favorite flowers. However, despite their picky palate, there are many flowers that butterflies love. I have compiled a list below of twenty-five flowers that are sure to attract butterflies to your garden.

    These butterfly attractor flowers listed below come in all shapes and sizes. Some will come back every year (perennials) and others will not (annuals). Remember, flowers behave in different ways. Some get really tall or very wide. Other like to spread everywhere. Mint and goldenrod send out runner roots and can very quickly take over an area. Plant these in containers or in areas that you don’t mind be taken over.

    Also, some native flowers can be difficult to find. Milkweed is a native plant and can be difficult to find. Check local nurseries specializing in native plants. In our butterfly garden, we have a mix of sunflowers, zinnias, dianthus, cosmos, echinacea, marigold, veronica and yarrow. It’s beautiful chaos and butterflies love it.

    25 flowers that attract butterflies

    • Allium
    • Aster
    • Butterfly Bush
    • Chrysanthemum
    • Cosmo
    • Daisy
    • Dianthus
    • Echinacea
    • Goldenrod
    • Joe pye weed
    • Lantana
    • Liatris
    • Lupin
    • Marigold
    • Milkweed
    • Mint
    • Monarda
    • Black Eyed Susan
    • Nasturtium
    • Snapdragon
    • Sunflower
    • Verbena
    • Veronica
    • Yarrow
    • Zinnia

    How to plant a butterfly garden

    Planting a butterfly garden with your child is a wonderful way to connect with nature and help butterflies thrive. You don’t need a huge backyard or a large space to make a butterfly garden. If you don’t have a lot of room, don’t worry! A butterfly garden can come in all shapes and sizes. You can plant a butterfly garden in a pot on your balcony, in a hanging basket or in several containers along the sunny side of your home.

    1. Choose a sunny spot

    The location of your garden is more important than its size. Butterflies and flowers are sun-powered, so it’s important to plant your butterfly garden in a nice sunny spot. Make sure you also have access to water, whether that’s from rain, a sprinkler or a hose.

    2. Gather your supplies

    Once you’ve picked your sunny spot, make a list of supplies. You will need the following items:

    • soil
    • something (or somewhere) to plant your flowers in (container, pot or hanging basket)
    • seeds or flowers to plant
    • water

    3. Select your flowers

    My suggestion is to make a list of flowers that bring you and your child joy (from the list above) and take it to your local garden center, greenhouse or plant nursery. Find someone there that is happy to talk plants and offer you ideas for what kind of plants will work best for your space and climate.

    Some things to think about when purchasing flowers are:

    • Where are you going to plant your flowers?
    • How much space do you have?
    • Will the flowers come back every year (perennials) or not (annuals)?
    • How much space will your flowers need?
    • Will the flowers grow well in your climate?
    • How big will your flowers get?
    • How much water will the flowers need?
    • Is it easier to grow this flower from seed or as a seedling?

    4. Plant your flowers

    Once you’ve selected your flowers, it’s time to get dirty! If you are planting your flowers from seed, it’s best to get them into the ground early in the season. For flower seedlings, plant them into your pot or into the ground as soon as possible. I find that it’s quite easy to forget about flower seedlings and have them accidentally dry up and die before being planted – oops!

    Encourage your child to get their hands dirty and help with planting the flowers. Dirt is good for kids! And don’t forget to give your newly planted seeds and seedlings water so that they can grow.

    5. Watch for butterflies

    Once your flowers are planted, it’s time to sit back and enjoy your need butterfly garden. Set up a chair, blanket or reading nook near your flower garden and keep an eye out for some colorful butterfly friends with your child. Take out books from your local library about butterflies and enjoy some read-aloud time together. Maybe you will even want to rear your own butterflies!

    Rearing your own butterflies

    Butterflies have an amazing life-cycle called complete metamorphosis. This process has four stages: egg, caterpillar (larva), chrysalis (pupa) and butterfly (adult). It can be very difficult to see all four stages in nature which is why rearing butterflies in your home can be such a great learning opportunity.

    These days it’s easy to find butterfly rearing kits from online education stores. One popular butterfly to rear is the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) butterfly. My kids reared their first butterflies this season and they just loved it.

    What butterflies live in your area?
    What types of flowers do they like to visit?

     

    About the author

    Hello! Bonjour! I’m Josée. I am a nature lover, blogger, photographer and homeschooler. I live in the sunny Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada with my husband and my three children. We are avid rock climbers, hikers, campers, skiers and adventure seekers. We love exploring new places, both near and far, and enjoy getting outside whatever the weather. I believe in the beauty of raising wild children!

    You can find more about Josée and her adventures at http://www.backwoodsmama.com and on Instagram at @thebackwoodsmama.

  • GARDENING, GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    Gardening with Kids: 5 Easy Vegetables to Grow

    Gardening is a fun and easy nature adventure to do with kids of any age. Kids love getting messy, muddy and digging around in the earth. They also love being outside, being active, learning about new things and taking care of their very own project. All these things make gardening a perfect activity for kids. Today, we have the absolutely amazing Jemma of thimbleandtwig.com (English teacher and mom to 4 in London) here sharing tips on starting a vegetable garden and 5 easy vegetables to grow with kids.

    Gardening with Kids - 5 Easy Vegetables to Grow with Kids

    Benefits of gardening with kids

    There are so many great reasons to get kids involved in gardening. As outdoor activities go, gardening is a wonderful and well-rounded way to teach a valuable skill and connect kids to the earth. Half the fun of gardening is eating what you sow and kids that grow gardens tend to eat healthier and are more likely to try new fruits and vegetables. I’m always amazed at what my kiddos will eat when they’ve spent some time growing it with their own fair hands! Gardening is also a physical activity that gets kids outdoors and gets their hands in the dirt. This physical contact with nature is an immeasurable benefit to kids. Gardening can also build confidence by making children feel more skilled and capable.

    growing a vegetable garden with kids

    No land, no problem!

    You don’t have to own a big plot of land to garden. Fruit and vegetables can easily be grown in containers or hanging pots on a balcony, fence or windowsill or even inside if you’re a city dweller! Strawberries do very well in hanging baskets, for example. And tomatoes absolutely thrive in containers, so long as they have ample sunlight. Radishes do great in deep pots and beans grow well in pots with a trellis.

    How to grow vegetables with kids

    Experimental gardening

    Last year, we built a couple of vegetable boxes in our garden for our children to grow vegetables. We had an experimental year where we planted lots of different types of fruit and vegetables and waited to see which ones would do well and which ones didn’t make it to the table! Some of the fruit and vegetables didn’t grow properly or were eaten by birds (I thoroughly recommend a net over any fruit you might grow!).

    Even if all your crops fail – simply the experience of planting, tending and nurturing vegetables can help instill a sense of responsibility in children and help them care for their environment. Their excitement at the first glimpse of a little shoot after they’ve planted the seed – is priceless! They are always so excited at the first glimpse of green!

    growing a vegetable garden with kids

    Five easy vegetables to grow with kids

    If you’re looking to start a vegetable garden or grow a few container plants, here are 5 easy vegetables to grow with kids (plus a bonus fruit). These vegetables are easy and foolproof to grow with kids. We had a great experience growing these plants last year and we’re not particularly green-fingered in the garden! This goes to show that if we can grow something – anyone can!

    1. Green Beans

    Green beans are perfect for growing in a vegetable garden with kids.  They are easy to plant, grow and withstand a variety of weather. There are lots of different types of beans – runner, climbing French beans and dwarf beans. Beans are perfect for a sunny, well-drained spot and can also be grown in pots. You will need something for them to grow up (some type of trellis or climbing netting), but this is easy to construct from canes and twine. We found that beans grow quickly and that the runner beans and broad beans were the best hit with our kids. They loved picking them and popping them open to discover the beans inside.

    How to grow vegetables with kids

    2. Carrots

    Carrots are another easy vegetable to grow because they survive in most climates. If you have a vegetable bed, you may need to grow a shorter version like Chantenay Carrots that don’t need as much space. These are also the best variety to grow in colder temperatures too. Since you cannot see how big your carrots are growing underground, picking the first carrot is always so much fun! It’s a total surprise and you never know what you’re going to get. The kids love choosing their carrot stem and seeing what comes up when they pull!

    3. Potatoes

    Potatoes are an amazing vegetable to grow with children because you can grow them in container bags and you don’t need a veggie patch! Plus, nearly all kids like eating potatoes since they are versatile to cook with. As you start with a seed potato, it’s a little bit like a science experiment for kids, which is lots of fun. My kids liked waiting for the ‘eyes’ to grow and once the seed potatoes have ‘eyes’, you can plant them in a deep bucket or potato bag (some even have a see portion so you can watch them grow). Every time the plants reach the surface, kids should cover with more soil. Potatoes are an easy vegetable for kids to learn how to take care of themselves. A good tip is to wait until all the flowers on the potato plant have nearly died back before harvesting your potatoes.

    kids growing vegetables

    4. Cherry tomatoes

    Cherry tomatoes are another great vegetable to grow with kids. (Ok, yes, tomatoes are technically a fruit.) Cherry tomato plants are usually high yielding and produce a ton of little red tomatoes. These are perfect for snacking on (pop them directly into your mouth!), throw them in a salad or skewer them for kabobs. They’re also a bit sweet, so kids like them much more than larger varieties.

    5. Peas

    Peas are also easy to grow and grow quickly and they can be grown in pots. They are the most fun to harvest as the kids love shelling them from their pea pods! Peas can be frozen or kept in the refrigerator for about 5 days which makes them perfect for getting the most out of your crop. My kids (and I) love the sugar snap pea variety because they’re so crunchy and sweet. For more tips on growing peas with kids – see this article from The Educator’s Spin on It!

    How to grow vegetables with kids

    Bonus: strawberries and raspberries

    Not a vegetable, but I’m adding this in as a bonus because kids LOVE strawberries! Strawberries and raspberries are perfect for growing with children because they are truly delicious! Homegrown berries are so much sweeter and juicier than you buy at the store. Kids love peeking under the leaves of the plants to find the red ripe strawberries or raspberries. In our garden, the strawberries didn’t ever make it back from the garden though! Strawberries can be grown in any part of your garden and can take up either a small or large space, depending on what you have available.

    How to grow vegetables with kids

    Be sure to check out my website for more tips on Growing a Vegetable Garden with Kids, including how to make a handy wooden spoon planter to label your vegetables! Have great fun growing in your garden with kids! We’d love to hear what successes you’ve had in your vegetable garden!

    Are you growing a garden with your kids this summer?
    (it’s not too late to start one)
    What are you growing?

     

    Meet the author

    I’m Jemma and I live in London, England with my husband and 4 kids. My all-time favorite thing to do is take photos and capture memories of my family. I’m on a mission to ensure parenthood doesn’t rush by so quickly by creating mini family outdoor adventures and hopefully some big adventures too, one day! I’m a mum to four and an English teacher to many; my passion for storytelling, adventures and nature crafts is packaged up into my blog http://www.thimbleandtwig.com.

    Follow Jemma on Instagram: @thimbleandtwig