Get Ready, Get Set, Garden!

We might have had a few chilly days over the past couple of weeks, but it’s quickly becoming clear that spring is here! If you’re itching to get outside, starting a garden is a fun, safe way to spend time outside with kids. It can be as simple as planting a seed in a pot, or as complex as starting your own victory garden. There’s a fit for every family! Here’s a collection of amazing resources for you, no matter the scale of your project. 

• The National Wildlife Federation has wonderful resources for gardening together, and creating a backyard environment that invites wildlife! 
• If you’re like me, this time at home has maybe made you more aware of your backyard visitors. Audubon for Kids is a fabulous resource for looking up & learning about our avian neighbors. They also have a guide to native plants for birds.
• Looking for an easy way to tie-in your elementary schooler’s learning? KidsGardening.org has a fabulous, searchable collection of gardening activities. 
• Want to eat what you grow? The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has 7 Tips for Vegetable Gardening with Your Toddler. 
• Finally, whether or not the seeds you sow grow, the activity itself can be a reward. PBS Kids explains Gardening with Kids: How it Affects Your Child’s Brain, Body & Soul

And of course, there are a ton of amazing e-books to dive into with your library card, available on Overdrive and Hoopla. Below are just a few of our favorites. Click a cover to check out or learn more! Click thumbnail below to download clickable PDF.