Landscaping Activities Kids Can Help With
Whether you’re a landscaper or golf course superintendent, like many of us, you are likely spending a bit more time at home due to the current state of the world. While this can be frustrating as we head into an early spring around most of the country, it can also be an excellent opportunity to teach kids about landscaping and gardening.
Not only does this provide much needed outdoor time, but it teaches them a new life skill that they aren’t necessarily going to learn in school. It’s also a great bonding activity and something fun to do while quarantined at home. Just make sure you are taking measures to ensure the safety of your children—use safety glasses and gloves when necessary and choose age-appropriate projects.
Lawn Maintenance
Depending on the age of your children, there are several things you can teach them about getting a lawn ready for summer. For younger children, you can teach them about different types of weeds such as dandelions and crabgrass and work together to rid your yard of them. You can also let them assist in raking up all the leftover mess from winter and explain to them the importance of dethatching your lawn.
If they are in their teens, now may be a good time to teach them about mowing, trimming, and edging. Of course, make sure you are supervising as this type of job can be dangerous without proper education on the equipment.
Plant (Or Transplant) Greenery
Planting trees and shrubbery not only adds to the aesthetic of your lawn, but it’s also a fun activity for the whole family. If you’re looking to plant something new, head out to the nursery and pick out your new greenery together.
If you’re transplanting existing trees, bushes, or shrubs, let your kids help with the planning, digging, and re-planting. You will need to choose the new location and calculate the size of the root ball before moving. Next, dig your hole, transfer the plant to a tarp and move it to its new home. Make sure you provide plenty of water and care so the plant can thrive once again.
Do Some Gardening
Whether you already have a garden or you’re looking to start one, this is a great activity for your kids. First, you’ll need to decide what type of garden you want. If you’re looking to create a flower garden, determine what type of flowers you want and which will work best in your region. Choosing colorful flowers such as red, orange, purple, and pink will help attract butterflies who are excellent pollinators, but plant your garden in a sunny spot as butterflies prefer the sunshine.
If you’re looking to start a vegetable garden, let your kids help choose what’s being planted and then make sure you set the foundation properly. You may need to till your soil and amend it with compost and fertilizer to be ready for growing crops. With assistance, you can give your kids the responsibility of watering, tending, and growing their crops. Not only does this teach them about following through on a project, but it will also help them have positive associations with vegetables (which is never a bad thing).
Of course, there are other fun projects you can do with your kids that aren’t necessarily regular lawn care. You can set up a nature scavenger hunt to teach your children about shapes and textures or participate in the Kindness Rocks Project. Whatever you decide to do, use this extra time at home to get outside and spend some time with your family.