Inquisitive minds that raise lots of questions make gardening with preschool-aged kids entertaining yet rewarding. Doing activities that let children see a seed germinating or a plant flowering and producing a fruit to eat can help parents and teachers discuss and teach many things--from biology and life to mathematics and vocabulary. Gardening is an inexpensive hobby. Focus on a good growing soil, light exposure and access for the kids. Mother Nature takes care of the rest. Does this Spark an idea?
Indoor Seed Projects
Sowing seeds--and watching and waiting for them to sprout--is among the simplest activities to employ to get kids interested in plant life. Rick Binsacca of Learn2Grow mentions one activity: sowing grass seed in eggshells or little milk cartons filled with soil. Or plant large seeds like sunflowers or marigolds in soil and then transplant them outdoors once they get large enough. To witness a bean seed germinate, get a large glass jar and fill it with damp paper towels. Wedge bean seeds against the glass and paper towels, place in a warm location and monitor what happens over two weeks.
Container Gardens
Any plant grows in an appropriately sized container of soil that is placed in the proper light exposure. Rather than digging a soil plot, consider planting seeds or transplanting seedlings into containers on a patio or outside the preschool window. A mix of plants demonstrates many ideas: counting flowers, watching a fruit develop, or describing the color, shape and texture of different leaves. A container keeps the kids from sitting or walking in soil or mud and gives adults the option to move the container as needed.
Vegetable Garden
If space allows, consider building a small vegetable garden plot where kids can help plant seeds. While preschoolers won't grasp the idea of pulling weeds (they'll pull out good plants, too), they can explore the ecosystem within the garden while watching familiar crops develop. Beans, peas, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, strawberries, pumpkins, dill and lettuce are among the crops kids recognize. They also enjoy seeing flowers and fruits grow. Plus, various insects visit the plants, adding to the kids' fervor for exploration. Corn is a familiar plant, too, but sweet corn seeds are chemically treated with fungicide, so don't let the kids handle the seeds.
