Awesome Gardening Books and Resources for Kids

Introduction

 

Introducing kids to gardening through books and other resources can ignite a lifelong passion for nature and the environment. At Rooted Promise, we believe in fostering curiosity and knowledge in young gardeners. Here’s a list of engaging books, websites, and resources that will inspire and educate kids about gardening, featuring age-appropriate stories, activities, and how-to guides.

 

Table of Content

 

• Books for Young Gardeners
• Websites and Online Resources
• Educational Apps and Interactive Tools
• Gardening Kits and Subscriptions
• Community Resources and Programs
• Community Resources and Programs
• DIY Gardening Projects for Kids
• Conclusion

 

Books for Young Gardeners

 

"Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children" by Sharon Lovejoy

• Age Range: 5-12 years
• Overview: This classic book is filled with fun and imaginative gardening projects. It provides step-by-step instructions for creating theme gardens like a pizza patch, sunflower house, and moon garden. Lovejoy’s whimsical illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions make it a hit with kids and parents alike.

"The Curious Garden" by Peter Brown

• Age Range: 3-7 years
• Overview: This beautifully illustrated storybook tells the tale of a young boy named Liam who transforms a dreary city into a lush garden. It’s a heartwarming story about how a single green space can inspire an entire community to grow and flourish. 

"Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt" by Kate Messner

• Age Range: 5-8 years
• Overview: This book takes readers on a journey through a year in the life of a garden, exploring what happens both above and below the soil. With vibrant illustrations and engaging text, it’s perfect for teaching kids about the cycles of nature and the hard work that goes into growing a garden.

"Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth" by Mary McKenna Siddals

• Age Range: 4-8 years
• Overview: This rhyming picture book is a delightful introduction to composting. It covers what can be composted and how to create a compost pile, making it both educational and fun. The colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes will keep young readers engaged.

"Planting a Rainbow" by Lois Ehlert

• Age Range: 3-7 years
• Overview: This classic book uses simple text and bold, bright illustrations to teach kids about different types of flowers and colors. It’s an excellent choice for young children to learn about planting and the beauty of a colorful garden.

Websites and Online Resources

 

KidsGardening.org

• Overview: KidsGardening.org is a treasure trove of gardening resources for kids. It offers activity guides, lesson plans, and grant opportunities for school and community gardens. The site is user-friendly and packed with ideas to get kids excited about gardening. 

 

PBS Kids: Nature Cat Garden

• Overview: Nature Cat is a popular PBS Kids show that encourages children to explore the natural world. The Nature Cat Garden section of the PBS Kids website features interactive games, videos, and activities related to gardening. It’s an excellent resource for blending entertainment with education.

 

National Geographic Kids: Gardening Tips

• Overview: National Geographic Kids provides a range of articles and videos on gardening basics, plant science, and fun garden projects. It’s a great site for curious kids who want to learn more about the science behind gardening.

 

Garden Crafts and Activities for Kids on Pinterest

• Overview: Pinterest is a fantastic resource for finding creative gardening crafts and activities. A quick search for “garden crafts for kids” brings up countless ideas, from DIY bird feeders to painted rock garden markers. It’s perfect for parents and kids looking for hands-on projects.

 

Educational Apps and Interactive Tools

 

"Gro Garden" App

• Age Range: 4+
• Overview: Gro Garden is an educational app that teaches kids about organic gardening and sustainability. Players can grow their own fruits and vegetables, compost kitchen scraps, and learn about eco-friendly gardening practices through interactive gameplay.

"Garden Puzzle" App

• Age Range: 7+
• Overview: This app allows kids to design their own garden landscapes. They can choose plants, arrange them in virtual gardens, and see how their designs change with the seasons. It’s a great tool for sparking creativity and planning real-life garden projects.

 

Gardening Kits and Subscriptions 

 

Rooted Promise’s Kids garden kits

• Overview: We offer an array of outdoor gardening kits for littles of all ages to experience the awesomeness of growing life. Kits range from flowers, to fruit, and finally vegetables and include everything for your little to become a Jr. Grow-it-all.

Little Tikes Garden Table

• Age Range: 2-5 years
• Overview: This indoor/outdoor garden table is perfect for preschoolers. It includes tools, pots, and pretend seeds, providing a playful introduction to gardening. Kids can enjoy planting and watering their pretend garden, fostering early interest in real gardening activities.

 

Community Resources and Programs

 

Local Public Libraries

• Overview: Many public libraries offer gardening programs and story times for kids. Check your local library’s calendar for gardening-themed events and book recommendations.

4-H Gardening Programs

• Overview: 4-H clubs often have gardening programs and activities for kids. These programs teach practical gardening skills and encourage community involvement. Contact your local 4-H office for more information.

Master Gardener Programs

• Overview: Some Master Gardener programs offer youth gardening workshops and events. These programs are an excellent way for kids to learn from experienced gardeners and participate in community gardening projects.

 

DIY Gardening Projects for Kids

 

Building a Mini Greenhouse

• Materials Needed: Clear plastic container with lid, small pots, potting soil, seeds
• Instructions:
• Fill small pots with potting soil and plant seeds.
• Place the pots inside a clear plastic container and cover with the lid.
• Place the container in a sunny spot and watch as the mini greenhouse helps the seeds germinate and grow.

 

If you’re not up for creating your own, you can do the same experiment with our Greenhouse Domes.

 

Creating a Worm Compost Bin

• Materials Needed: Plastic bin with lid, shredded newspaper, soil, red wiggler worms, kitchen scraps.
• Instructions:
1. Drill small holes in the lid of the plastic bin for ventilation.
2. Add a layer of shredded newspaper and soil to the bin.
3. Add red wiggler worms and a small amount of kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable peels).
4. Keep the bin moist and add scraps regularly. Kids can learn about composting and the role worms play in breaking down organic matter.

 

Conclusion

 

There are countless resources available to inspire and educate young gardeners. From engaging books and interactive apps to hands-on DIY projects, these tools can help kids develop a love for gardening and a deeper understanding of the natural world. At Rooted Promise, we’re committed to supporting gardeners of all ages and skill levels.

 

We hope these recommendations will spark joy and curiosity in your young gardeners and help them grow along with their gardens.