Growing Together: The Joy (and Chaos) of Gardening with Kids on the Homestead
Let’s be real—gardening with kids on a homestead is like trying to herd goats while carrying a basket of fresh veggies. But here’s the thing: it’s also one of the best ways to get your little ones involved in the homesteading life, teach essential skills, and cut down on screen time (even if just for a few glorious minutes!). Whether you’re babywearing your newborn while planting carrots or convincing your ten-year-old that worms are actually cool, bringing kids into the garden can be a total game-changer.
Babywearing: Because You Can’t Put a Baby Down in the Dirt… Yet
So, you’ve got a baby strapped to your chest, and you’re wondering if gardening on the homestead is even possible. Spoiler alert: it totally is! I’ve been babywearing my youngest son, and let me tell you, it’s been an absolute game-changer. Babywearing is like having your very own tiny farmhand along for the ride, soaking up all the fresh air and nature vibes without even realising it. With my little one snug against me, I’ve been able to sow seeds, harvest crops, prune, and more—all while keeping him close and content. Plus, the gentle swaying as you dig, plant, and water can work wonders for keeping your little one calm and (hopefully) asleep.
And here’s the real magic—getting your baby used to the garden from an early age is like setting them up for a lifetime of homesteading love. Just like brushing their teeth or tidying up their toys, it becomes second nature. When gardening is woven into your family’s daily routine, it naturally becomes part of your child's world too. The more they see and feel the joy of being outdoors and getting their hands dirty, the more likely they are to love it as they grow. Before you know it, they’ll be asking to help water the plants or pick veggies, making your garden not just a space to grow food, but a space to grow together.
But here’s a little secret: none of this would be possible without the help of friends and family. It truly takes a village to raise kids—and veggies! So, don’t be scared to ask for help. If you want to make this homestead garden work, you need support. Whether it’s someone holding the baby while you prune the tomatoes or lending a hand during harvest time, having a community makes all the difference.
Tips for Gardening with Babies:
Stick to simple tasks: Focus on light activities like watering or picking herbs, which you can easily do while babywearing.
Listen to Your Body: If you’ve recently given birth, remember that your body is still healing. Balance your gardening with rest, especially during feeding times. Your health is just as important as your harvest, so take it slow and enjoy the process.
Take sensory breaks: Let your baby touch soft leaves or smell fresh flowers—engaging their senses is a fantastic way to introduce them to the garden early on.
Pick the right carrier: Use a comfortable, ergonomic carrier that supports your baby’s head and neck, so you can garden hands-free and worry-free.
Toddlers in the Garden: Embrace the Chaos
Once they’re up and running, your gardening routine might look a bit different. Toddlers are curious little creatures, and they’re going to want to get involved—whether you’re ready or not. I remember when my daughter was little, she’d spend ages watching me weed with intense concentration, only to spring into action and pull out all my newly weeded baby plants! Sure, they might pull up more plants than weeds, but getting them in the dirt is where the homestead magic truly happens.
Tips for Gardening with Toddlers:
Give Them Their Own Patch: Even if it’s just a small corner of the garden, having their own space makes them feel important and responsible. To make it even more special, get them their own set of child-sized tools—they’ll love having gear that’s just for them.
Let Them Help Choose What to Sow: Involve them in picking out seeds and plants, especially ones they enjoy eating. When they have a say in what goes into the ground, they’re more likely to be excited about growing and, ultimately, eating what they’ve helped nurture.
Start with Easy Plants: Opt for plants like sunflowers, beans, and radishes. These grow quickly, are hardy, and can handle a bit of rough toddler enthusiasm without wilting under the pressure.
Make It Fun: Turn everyday tasks into games. Whether it’s racing to see who can water the most plants or going on a bug hunt while you weed, keeping things playful will keep them engaged longer.
Incorporate Arts and Crafts: When their attention starts to wander, distract them with garden-themed arts and crafts. Bring along some paper and crayons for drawing flowers, or let them paint birdhouses to hang in the garden. It’s a great way to keep them nearby and entertained while you get things done.
School-Age Kids: Future Homesteaders in the Making
By the time they hit school age, kids can really start to get the hang of gardening. They can take on more responsibility, like planting seeds, watering, and even harvesting their own veggies. This is when they start to see the fruits (or veggies) of their labour, and there’s nothing more satisfying than watching them enjoy something they grew themselves.
Tips for Gardening with School-Age Kids:
Involve Them in Planning: Let your kids choose what to grow, and then help them research how to care for it. This gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their little patch of the garden.
Teach Them the Homesteading Basics: Explain how compost works, why plants need sun and water, and which bugs are friends or foes. It’s a sneaky way to educate them while they’re having fun, and it helps them understand the bigger picture of what you’re doing together.
Celebrate Their Successes: Whether it’s the first sprout, a new flower, or a full harvest, make a big deal out of their achievements to keep them motivated. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in making them feel proud and involved.
Help with the “Boring” Jobs: Not every gardening task is thrilling—my daughter, for instance, hates weeding but loves planting and harvesting. Lend a hand with the less exciting chores like weeding, and it won’t feel so daunting for them.
Get Their Friends Involved: You might be surprised at how many kids love to lend a hand in the garden. I’ve had several of my daughter’s friends eagerly jump in to help out. The more, the merrier—and it makes gardening feel like a fun group activity rather than a solitary chore.
Make It a Family Routine: Treat gardening as a family priority, much like tidying up their room or setting the table. By making it part of your family culture and routine, it becomes a natural, expected part of their day—and something they’ll likely carry with them as they grow.
Why Gardening with Kids on the Homestead Is Totally Worth It
Sure, gardening with kids can be chaotic. There will be spilled soil, misplaced tools, and the occasional tantrum (and that’s just you). But the benefits far outweigh the mess. Gardening on the homestead encourages kids to be active, helps them understand where their food comes from, and gives them a sense of accomplishment when they see their plants grow. It’s also a fantastic way to bond as a family and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Plus, let’s not forget the life lessons they’re learning along the way. Patience, responsibility, and the satisfaction of hard work paying off are just a few of the values that gardening can instil in kids. And who knows? You might just be raising the next generation of homesteaders, gardeners, or even environmentalists.
So, grab your tools, strap on that baby carrier, and embrace the dirt! Gardening with kids on the homestead is messy, fun, and oh-so-rewarding—and at the end of the day, it’s all about growing together.
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