There’s no question, playing in the dirt tops the list of fun for kids, particularly young children, despite the protests of many well-intended parents. If you happen to be one of those worried parents, you can put your fears aside.

As it turns out, dirt is actually beneficial to the long-term health of kids, according to a Northwestern University article by Clare Milliken, Germs at four, less inflammation at forty. Studies have found that early exposure to certain germs, like those found in dirt, actually helps kids’ immune systems learn to regulate inflammation better. In turn, this exposure reduces kids’ risk for many diseases throughout their lives.

For that reason, a family garden is a perfect opportunity to help build your kids’ immune systems. Better still, gardening offers lots of other benefits to kids and families.

Through gardening, kids learn to be responsible by caring for their own plants. It’s also a great way to help kids learn about and develop an appreciation for science. Another health benefit is that gardening encourages healthier eating. Not to mention, it’s an excellent activity for family bonding.

So, gather up your kids and gardening supplies, head outdoors, and get ready for some dirt-filled fun.

Getting Started
First, decide where to plant your garden. Then, allow a small space for your child to have his or her own garden, too. This will help build your child’s enthusiasm for the garden and encourage him or her to take ownership and responsibility for it. Having their own garden can be exciting and rewarding for kids because they know that they alone (or with minimal help) grew those little seeds into a marvelous plant.

Next, decide what to plant. For young children, consider fast-growing plants they are familiar with. Little kids really love plants that are colorful or have really strong scents.

If your kids are older, let them choose what they want to grow. But, keep in mind your child’s personality. If he tends to be impatient, suggest plants that are easy to care for and grow quickly.

As you proceed in planning and preparation, include your child in it as much as possible. Remember, this stage is as much fun for kids as it is for parents and helps build kids’ enthusiasm. Also, let your kids help you draw up the garden plan. If they’re old enough, they can also create their own shopping list.

When you go shopping for the supplies, take your kids along and let them pick out their own seeds and gardening tools. For the safety of young children, look for kids’ gardening tools made of durable plastic.

Planting Your Garden
When you begin planting, show your child how to plant the seeds and how to space them apart correctly. Then, have your child water the seeds as directed.

To help your child take responsibility for his or her own garden, put a daily gardening task list on the refrigerator.

Also, to help your child maintain enthusiasm, suggest keeping a garden log. Kids can have fun recording the date of plantings, each day’s gardening activities, when each plant sprouts, the amount of growth of plants, and the harvesting.

Finally, after harvesting, have your child help you prepare the vegetables. Try different ways of preparing or cooking them to help your kids develop a life-long love for fresh, healthy veggies.

Scheduling Your Planting
Knowing when foods are in season will help make your gardening experience exciting. According to the LSU AgCenter, vegetables can be planted year-round, and when it comes to planting fruits, success will depend largely on selection, soil, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, and pest control. Download LSU AgCenter’s guide on when to plant fruits and vegetables in Louisiana by visiting us online.

Books on Gardening with Kids
Get your family’s gardening project off on the right foot with these books.

The Little Gardener by Jan Gerardi
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy
Gardening Lab for Kids: 52 Fun Experiments to Learn, Grow, Harvest, Make, Play, and Enjoy Your Garden by Renata Brown