Gardening for Toddlers with a Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Tote Set

Toddlers learn best when they are having fun. And there is so much to learn out in the garden. Here are just a few ideas.

1. Make a fairy garden.

Think of the fairy stories that you have been reading to your little ones. What does your toddler think a fairy garden would look like? Would they have a mossy log for a table, or a big, round pebble? How about finding some petals for plates and acorn cups or nutshells for drinking. What else should be in the garden? This is a great way to encourage creative play. Name unfamiliar objects that your toddler finds.

2. Grow a flower patch.

This takes time but it is an activity you and your toddler can return to as weeks go by. Involve your little one in preparing the soil with her own garden tools and let her plant the seeds. Then she can water them. When you see shoots, ask your toddler to have a look. No touching! Over time, she can watch the shoots grow. Sunflowers are perfect for this as they grow so tall. (A sunflower contest would be a fun way to involve older brothers or sisters.) Watching things come to life and grow is a good way to learn about the seasons.

3. Plant a vegetable patch.

Again, this will take time but is the perfect way to learn about where food comes from. As a bonus, kids are more likely to eat something they grew themselves! Let your toddler plant the seeds and water them. He can then watch them grow. Choose something fast-growing, to keep his interest. Here in the UK, I found that radishes are perfect (you will see shoots after about a week). Carrots are also fun, but take a little longer. Where you live, there might be other fast-growing veg you can plant. When it's time to harvest, your toddler will love to dig up the vegetables!

As I've been reminded by a parent of a toddler, when you are a youngster there are few things as fascinating to watch as bugs.

While you are out in the garden or yard with your toddler, see how many kinds of bugs you can spot. Spiders, beetles, ladybugs (ladybirds), moths, butterflies, caterpillars, bumblebees, ants, centipedes, wiggly worms...

The fun of gardening is that these tiny creatures can be seen up close. Toddlers are normally fearless when it comes to creepy crawlies, but if your little one is afraid, this is a good time to show them there is nothing to fear. You can also teach them to sit as quietly as they can and simply watch insects, without trying to touch them or harm them. (Teaching children early on to respect insects will also help them to avoid nasty surprises like bee stings!)

You can even buy seeds for plants that bees and insects love, and help your toddler to plant a garden 'for the creepy crawlies'. A flower garden becomes a more exciting place when small children see that it will attract all kinds of tiny creatures.

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