How To Create a Seasonal Gardening Plan With Kids

Spring blooms, and you and your kids plant a garden. Then comes summer, and you watch it grow. After a few months, autumn brings a bountiful harvest, and then winter sets in. But wait—what about next year?

Gardening is an activity that can bring you closer to nature and teach your kids valuable skills. But planting a garden without any planning can result in disappointment. To make sure your garden thrives, you need a seasonal garden plan, which is a roadmap for what to plant, when to plant it, and how to take care of your garden all year round. Let's explore how you can create a seasonal gardening plan with your kids.

Choosing a Spot for Your Garden

That grassy corner in your yard? That empty, unused corner on your deck? Where should you plant your garden? You have plenty of options, but which is the one that’ll work best for you, your kids, and your plants?

For You: If you want to make gardening a regular activity, choose a spot that's easily accessible and visible from your house. This way, it will remind you and your kids to take care of the garden regularly.

For Your Kids: Involve your kids in choosing the spot for your garden. Let them explore different areas around the house and pick their favorite one. This will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the garden.

For Your Plants: Consider sunlight exposure, drainage, and proximity to water sources when picking a spot for your garden. Most plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, so make sure your chosen spot gets enough sun.

Deciding What to Plant

Plump, juicy tomatoes? Sweet, crunchy carrots? Fragrant herbs? With so many options, how do you choose what to plant? Here are some factors to consider when deciding what to plant in your garden:

Your Location: Different plants thrive in different climates and soil conditions. Where do you live, what are the weather patterns, and what type of soil do you have? Make a list of plants that will grow well in the conditions specific to where you live.

Your Kids' Preferences: Involve your kids in the decision-making process by asking them what they'd like to see growing in the garden. This will make them feel more invested in the garden and excited to see their chosen plants grow.

Your Goals: Do you want to eat fresh produce from your garden? Do you want to attract pollinators, such as butterflies and bees? Do you want colorful flowers to brighten up your yard? Consider what you want to achieve with your garden when choosing what to plant.

Planning Your Garden Layout

Should the tomatoes be next to the carrots? Should the herbs be in a separate bed? How you lay out your garden can affect how well your plants grow. Here are some tips for planning your garden layout:

Space Considerations: Make sure each plant has enough space to grow. Crowding them too close together can result in stunted growth or competition for nutrients.

Accessibility: Leave enough space between rows or beds so you and your kids can easily access the plants without stepping on them. This will make it easier to weed, water, and harvest your garden.

Companion Planting: Some plants grow better when planted together. For example, planting marigolds with tomatoes can help repel pests. Pairing plants that have similar watering and sunlight needs can also make it easier to take care of your garden.

Creating a Planting Schedule

Once you've decided what to plant and where to plant it, break out your planner and create a planting schedule. A planting schedule is a timeline that outlines when to start seeds, when to transplant them into your garden, and when to expect a harvest. Here's what to keep in mind when creating a planting schedule:

Seeds vs. Seedlings: You can either start your plants from seeds or buy seedlings from a nursery. Starting from seeds is more cost-effective, but it requires more time and effort. Seedlings are easier to handle, but they can be more expensive. Consider which option works best for you.

Planting Season: Different plants have different growing seasons, so make sure you're planting them at the right time of year. Some plants thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, while others do best in the heat of summer.

Succession Planting: To maximize your garden's productivity, consider succession planting—planting multiple crops one after another in the same spot. This allows you to extend your growing season and get more crops out of your garden.

Maintaining Your Garden

A garden requires care and attention all year round to thrive. Here are some tips for maintaining your garden:

Watering: Water regularly, but don't overwater. Different plants have different watering needs, so take note of how much water each plant requires.

Weeding: Keep an eye out for weeds in your garden and remove them promptly before they compete with your plants for nutrients and space.

Pest Control: Keep insects, rodents, and birds away from your garden by using natural methods or organic pesticides.

Harvesting: Harvest fruits, vegetables, and herbs when they're ripe to prevent them from becoming overripe or spoiled.

Raising a healthy, happy garden is easy when you have a seasonal gardening plan! Before you buy your supplies and start digging in the dirt, sit down at the dining room table with your kids and create a plan. Then, get out there, get your hands dirty, and get started on what will surely be a beautiful and bountiful garden.

If you're already in the process of planning the year's garden with your kids, Rutabaga Education has tools and resources for you to use. Our children's gardening sets are perfect for little hands, so your kids can actively participate in planting and maintaining the garden. We also have educational materials to help you teach your kids about plants, soil, and gardening techniques. You know what they say: the early bird gets the worm, so the sooner you and your kids start planning your garden, the more successful it will be!