09-07-2025
Three cheap and fun ways to get the kids involved with gardening this summer
KEEPING kids entertained at home without screens is not always easy.
But you can use your outdoor areas to help turn youngsters into keen little gardeners.
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It won't cost much and it's a guilt-free way of getting them busy, plus they'll reap the benefits of being out in nature.
Here's how.
GET CLUED UP: Dobbies garden centres run free gardening workshops for kids. The one-hour Little Seedlings sessions take place at weekends and there are extra sessions during school holidays.
Youngsters will learn all about different aspects of plants, for example, August's theme is prehistoric plants that are still found in gardens today.
And there is a special holiday club workshop exploring summer scents where those taking part can make their own petal perfume.
Dates and times vary by store. Book online at
CRAFTY: If you have a load of old plant pots, get your kids to give them a new lease of life by decorating them.
They can use acrylic paints or marker pens. Ask them to paint flowers or just bright colours to stand out.
Another option is rock painting. Gather a few large stones and children can paint as they like. You could try animals such as ladybirds, hedgehogs and snails.
'I was quoted £10,000 for a garden renovation but did it MYSELF for £1,000 using ChatGPT to show my kids what single mums can do'
Or ask them to write out plant names on the stones then use them as markers.
GET PLANTING: Once you have a few pots or a spare area in the garden, get planting with kids.
Look for plants that will attract butterflies to help children spot wildlife in the garden.
And select plants with different scents, textures and colours.
Try lavender, which is affordable, easy to look after and has a calming scent.
It will also attract wildlife such as butterflies and bees. Contrast with bright flowers such as geraniums.
Or sunflowers are great for planting with kids as they watch them grow and see how high they can get.
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