5 Summer Projects to Do with Littles
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. Gardening with kids can be a delightful and educational experience, teaching them about plants, insects, and the environment while also fostering a sense of responsibility and patience. Here are five fun and easy summer garden projects to do with kids that will keep them entertained and engaged!
1. Create a Butterfly Garden
Butterflies are not only beautiful, but they also play a crucial role in pollinating plants. Creating a butterfly garden is a wonderful way to attract these delicate creatures to your yard.
What You Need:
Butterfly-friendly plants (e.g., milkweed, coneflowers, and lantana)
A sunny spot in the garden
A shallow dish of water
Instructions:
Select a sunny spot in your garden as butterflies love warmth.
Plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers to attract different species.
Place a shallow dish with water and some stones for the butterflies to rest on while they drink. You can even create perhaps a little oasis with crafts, such as a painted rock, a sign welcoming the butterflies, etc…
Teach your kids about the different types of butterflies and the importance of each plant.
2. Grow a Pizza Garden
What could be more fun than growing your pizza toppings? A pizza garden is a small garden plot where you grow ingredients commonly used on pizza.
What You Need:
Tomato plants
Basil
Oregano
Bell peppers
Onions
Instructions:
Choose a sunny location and prepare the soil.
Plant tomato seedlings, basil, oregano, bell peppers, and onions.
Make garden markers with your kids to label each plant.
Water and tend to the garden regularly.
Harvest the ingredients and have a pizza-making party! This can be just a regular dinner night or a sleepover activity!
3. Construct a Fairy Garden
A fairy garden is a miniature garden that captures the imagination of kids. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like, using small plants and tiny decorations. If you want some more background on a fairy garden check out out other blog article Creating an Enchanting Fairy Garden.
What You Need:
A shallow container or a small garden bed
Small plants like moss, succulents, and mini ferns
Pebbles, twigs, and miniature fairy decorations
Instructions:
Fill the container with soil and plant the small plants.
Create pathways with pebbles and use twigs to make tiny benches or houses.
Add miniature fairy decorations like doors, lanterns, and toadstools.
Encourage your kids to create stories and play with their fairy garden. For those who want to keep the magic alive, you can even leave gifts from the fairies for your littles to find when they next check out the garden
4. Start a Compost Bin
Composting is a great way to teach kids about recycling and reducing waste. Plus, it provides nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
What You Need:
A compost bin or a designated compost area
Kitchen scraps (vegetable peels, fruit scraps, eggshells)
Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves)
Instructions:
Set up your compost bin in a convenient spot.
Teach your kids what can and cannot be composted.
Add kitchen scraps and yard waste to the bin, turning it regularly.
Watch as the compost breaks down into rich soil for your garden.
5. Build a Bug Hotel
A bug hotel provides a safe habitat for beneficial insects like ladybugs, bees, and beetles. It’s a fun project that helps kids understand the importance of insects in the garden ecosystem.
What You Need:
An old wooden box or pallets
Bamboo canes, pine cones, straw, and leaves
A sheltered spot in the garden
Instructions:
Stack the wooden box or pallets to create compartments. Feel free to let your kids decorate the box to make it more inviting to the guests.
Fill the compartments with bamboo canes, pine cones, straw, and leaves.
Place the bug hotel in a sheltered, shady spot.
Observe and identify the different insects that move in.
Gardening with kids is a rewarding way to spend time together while learning about nature. These projects are simple enough for children to participate in and provide a great opportunity for hands-on education and fun. So, roll up your sleeves, dig into the dirt, and enjoy the magic of gardening this summer! Happy Gardening!!