7 perks of gardening with kids

We love gardening. There’s nothing more satisfying than digging your hands into the dirt or weeding a flower bed. The beautiful blooms and mouthwatering herbs and vegetables make it all worthwhile but it's also a great way to get our kids outside and give them a better sense of where their food comes from.

So grab a shovel with your child and watch the health of your whole family blossom. Whether you plant an acre of produce or a single pot of marigolds, here are a few of the many benefits of gardening with your kids:

Gardening enhances fine motor development

Gardening encourages the development of fine motor skills every step of the way, from picking up tiny seeds to gently caring for seedlings and plants.

Gardening engages all five senses

What does the basil smell like? Is the soil wet or dry? How does that strawberry taste right off the vine? Can you hear the bees buzzing? Incorporating sensory exploration is easy in the garden!

Gardening encourages healthy eating

Try a veggie or herb straight out of the garden or cook it together in the kitchen -- you might find a new favorite food!

Gardening relieves stress

Research indicates that the calming effect gardening has on the brain extends even beyond the actual act of gardening. Gardening allows kids to be alone, it allows them to breathe fresh air and be in peace by themselves

Gardening teaches responsibility

Plants require a lot of attention. Learning how to care for the plants properly -- from watering to weeding -- is a great lesson in responsibility for kids.

Gardening teaches patience

The time it takes to grow a seed to harvesting your veggies takes weeks, if not months! Gardening is all about patience ... and it's always worth the wait!

Gardening is a great family activity

Although gardening can definitely be a lot of work, doing it together as a family makes it fun. It's a great time to have conversations, relax and enjoy God's beauty around us.