How To Start A Homeschool Garden

Last Updated on August 5, 2022 by Marie Bautista

Homeschool Gardening: A Great Learning Opportunity For Children

Most kids love getting their hands dirty in the garden, and there’s no reason why homeschooling families, and even us who are not homeschooling but would like to teach our children on the side, can’t take advantage of that fact.

Gardening can provide a great learning opportunity for children, as they can learn about everything from the weather to food chains. In addition, gardening can help to teach kids about responsibility, as they will need to take care of their plants in order to see them grow.

The Benefits of Homeschool Gardening

Homeschooling is a great way to get kids interested in gardening.

With homeschool gardening, kids can learn about plants, soil, and the process of photosynthesis. They can also get their hands dirty and enjoy the satisfaction of watching their plants grow. Not only do they provide a hands-on opportunity to learn about plant life, but they also give kids a chance to get some fresh air and exercise.

In addition, homeschool gardens can teach important lessons about cooperation and responsibility. When everyone works together to tend the garden, it can be a rewarding experience for all involved.

Also, homeschool gardening provides an opportunity for kids to socialize and make new friends. And when students are given the task of caring for a plant, they quickly learn the importance of taking care of something else.

Whether you’re looking for a way to supplement your child’s education or just want them to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, homeschool gardening is a great option.

In short, homeschool gardens offer a wealth of benefits for both students and teachers.

So if you’re looking for a way to make your curriculum more engaging, consider adding a little bit of dirt to your lesson plans.

Here are 10 tips for starting a successful homeschool garden:

1. Choose the right location. When you’re choosing a spot for your homeschool garden, make sure to pick a place that gets plenty of sunlight. Most plants need at least six hours of sunlight per day, so a spot in your yard that gets full sun would be ideal. If you don’t have a spot in your yard that gets full sun, you can also grow plants in containers and place them in sunny spots around your home.

2. Prepare the soil. Once you’ve selected a location for your homeschool garden, it’s time to start preparing the soil. If you’re using a garden bed, you’ll need to loosen the soil and add some organic matter, such as compost or manure. If you’re growing plants in containers, you can use a potting mix that’s specifically designed for container gardening.

3. Choose the right plants. When you’re selecting plants for your homeschool garden, it’s important to choose varieties that are well suited for your climate and soil type. If you’re not sure what plants will do well in your area, ask a local nursery or gardening center for advice.

4. Plant at the right time. Another important factor to consider when you’re choosing plants for your homeschool garden is the planting schedule. Some plants, such as tomatoes and peppers, need to be started indoors before they can be transplanted outside. Others, such as squash and cucumbers, can be planted directly in the garden bed.

5. Water regularly. One of the most important things you can do for your homeschool garden is to water it regularly. Most plants need at least 1 inch of water per week, so be sure to check the soil often and water as needed. If you’re not sure how much water your plants need, ask a local nursery or gardening center for advice.

6. Fertilize as needed. In addition to watering, you’ll also need to fertilize your homeschool garden on a regular basis. The type of fertilizer you use will depend on the plants you’re growing and the soil type in your area. If you’re not sure which fertilizer is best for your garden, ask a local nursery or gardening center for advice.

7. Control weeds. Weeds can quickly take over a homeschool garden if they’re not kept in check. The best way to control weeds is to prevent them from germinating in the first place. This can be done by covering the soil with mulch or using a weed barrier fabric. If weeds do start to sprout, pull them out by hand or use a hoe to chop them down.

8. Protect plants from pests. Insects and other pests can quickly destroy a homeschool garden if they’re not kept in check. The best way to control pests is to prevent them from getting into the garden in the first place. This can be done by using things like row covers or insecticidal soap. If pests do start to become a problem, you can also use traps or pesticides to control them.

9. Harvest regularly. One of the best things about having a homeschool garden is being able to harvest fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season. To get the most out of your harvest, you’ll need to pick the produce when it’s ripe and use it right away. If you can’t eat all of the produce right away, you can always preserve it by canning, freezing, or drying.

10. Enjoy! Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy your homeschool garden. Gardening is a great way to teach kids about science, math, and nature. It’s also a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. So take some time to relax and enjoy all that your homeschool garden has to offer.

Ideas for learning activities that can be done in the garden

A garden can be a great place to learn about nature, science, and many other topics. Here are a few learning activities that can be done in the garden:

– Planting: Have students help plant seeds or seedlings in the garden. They can learn about the importance of proper spacing, depth, and soil type.

– Watering: Teach students the importance of watering plants properly. They can experiment with different techniques, such as watering from the bottom up or using a drip irrigation system.

– Weeding: Weeding can be tedious, but it’s also an opportunity to teach students about the importance of maintaining a healthy garden. They can learn about different weed types and how to control them.

– Harvesting: Students can learn about the different stages of plant growth by harvesting fruits and vegetables at different times. They can also taste-test the produce they’ve grown!

Moreover, you can bond with your child (with learning on the side) by doing the following:

1. Plant a couple of different types of plants and have your child help water them and observe them as they grow. This is a great way to teach them about the plant life cycle.

2. Go on a bug hunt! See how many different types of insects you can find in the garden. You can even make a game out of it by seeing who can find the most bugs.

3. Have your child help you make a compost bin. This is a great way to teach them about recycling and the benefits of composting.

4. Plant a veggie garden and have your child help you take care of it. This is a great way to teach them about where food comes from and how to eat healthy.

5. Explore the different smells in the garden. Smelling different flowers and herbs can be a fun sensory experience for your child.

6. Have a picnic in the garden! This is a great way to enjoy the fruits of your labor and spend some quality time with your child.

7. Go on a nature walk and see what other plants and animals you can find in the area. This is a great way to teach your child about the local ecosystem.

8. Have your child help you make a scarecrow. This is a great way to teach them about scaring away pests from the garden.

9. Plant a sunflower and have your child measure it every day to see how fast it grows. This is a great way to teach them about plant growth rates. In addition, did you know that sunflowers are a mathematical marvel? This is a chance for you to teach your children about the Fibonacci sequence.

10. Have a mud fight! This is a great way to cool off on a hot day and have some fun at the same time.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are endless learning opportunities in the garden, so get out there and explore!

Resources for learning more about homeschool gardening

For anyone interested in homeschool gardening, there are plenty of resources available to get started.

 Melissa&Harry Kids Gardening Kit for Birthday, Crafts, Girls & Boys of All Ages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8-12 Year Old, Childrens Paint and Plant Flower Gardening Growing Kit-STEM Art Projects Toys Kids Gardening Set – Kids Gardening Tools Set Colorful Children Garden Tools Fun STEM Toys with Watering Can, Gloves, Shovel, Rake, Trowel, Storage Bag, Apron, Sprayer – Gifts for Boys and Girls Altdorff Kids Wheelbarrow Set Metal, Child Wheel Barrel Pink Easy to Assemble and Garden Tools Kit Include Hand Rake, Shovel and Mini Rake, Kid Garden Glove Kids Gardening Tools – Includes Sturdy Tote Bag, Watering Can, Gloves, Shovels, Rake, Stakes a Delightful Children’s Book How to Garden Tale – Kids Garden Tool Set -Easter Gifts for Toddler Age on up. Melissa&Harry Kids Gardening Kit for Birthday, Crafts, Girls & Boys of All Ages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8-12 Year Old, Children’s Paint and Plant Flower Gardening Growing Kit-STEM Art Projects Toys Kids Gardening Tools Set – 12 PCS Colorful Metal Garden Tools Set for Children Include Child Safe Rake Shovel with Cute Handle Design Gardening Kit Outdoor Toys Gift for Kid Age 3 4 5 6 7 8 (Green) The Children’s Garden: Loads of Things to Make and Grow In the Garden Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt: (Nature Book for Kids, Gardening and Vegetable Planting, Outdoor Nature Book) (Over and Under) Grocery Store Garden: How to Grow a Beautiful, Tasty Indoor Garden from Grocery Scraps

Local nurseries and gardening stores can also be a valuable resource, as they can provide helpful advice and information on what plants are best suited for homeschool gardens. With a little bit of research, anyone can become an expert on homeschool gardening.

Ways to integrate homeschool gardening into the curriculum

Homeschool gardening can seem like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be! It can be a great way to get kids excited about learning.

There are a few ways to integrate homeschool gardening into the curriculum.

1. One way is to dedicate a portion of each homeschool day to gardening. This can include activities such as planting seeds, watering plants, and harvesting vegetables.
2. Another way to incorporate homeschool gardening into the curriculum is to use gardens as a laboratory for science experiments. For example, students could study the effects of different types of fertilizer on plant growth.
3. Homeschool gardening can also be used to teach other subjects, such as math and art. For instance, students could measure the dimensions of their garden beds or create sculptures out of recycled materials.
4. Gardening is also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.
5. And of course, homeschoolers can always just enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor by incorporating homeschool gardening into the lunchtime or snack time routine.

By incorporating homeschool gardening into the curriculum, students can learn about a variety of subjectsin a fun and hands-on way.

Tips for keeping kids motivated in their homeschool garden

Homeschooling can be a great way to get kids motivated in the garden. Here are a few tips:

1. Get them involved in the planning process. Let them help choose what crops to grow and where to plant them. This will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility from the start.
2. Set aside regular gardening time each week, and make it fun! Add some music, or let them play with the hose while they work.
3. Keep a little notebook for each child, so they can document their progress and results. This will help them see how far they’ve come, and be proud of their accomplishments.
4. Reward them for their hard work! Chocolate chips make great bribes, but even small things like stickers can go a long way in keeping kids motivated.
5. Let them choose what to grow. Kids will be more interested in gardening if they have a say in what goes in the ground. Give them a few options to choose from, and let them pick their favorite.
6. Get them involved in the planting process. Kids love getting their hands dirty, so let them help with the planting. They’ll be more likely to take care of the plants if they’ve had a hand in putting them in the ground.
7. Teach them about the plants. As they’re growing, take the time to teach your kids about the plants they’re tending. They’ll be more interested in taking care of them if they know more about them.
8. Let them harvest the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor. Nothing will motivate your kids more than being able to eat the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor. Let them help with the harvesting, and then enjoy a healthy meal together that they helped grow!

More ideas for making learning in the garden fun

A learning garden can be a fun place for both kids and adults. By incorporating a few key elements, you can create a space that is both educational and enjoyable.

First, choose plants that are interesting and visually appealing. Bright flowers and unusual fruits and vegetables are sure to catch the eye.

Second, add elements that encourage learning through exploration, such as raised beds, trellises, and sculptures.

Third, provide comfortable seating and plenty of shade to make the garden a pleasant place to spend time.

Fourth, create a learning station with books, charts, and other materials to help people learn about the plants in the garden.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of having fun! Add some games and activities to the mix, so that everyone can enjoy the learning garden experience.

Ways to assess learning in the homeschool garden

Homeschooling, gardening, and assessments? These three words may not seem like they go together, but homeschool gardeners can use assessment strategies to help ensure their students are learning effectively.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Observation: Spend some time observing your students as they work in the garden. Do they seem engaged and curious? Are they able to identify plants and explain how they grow?
2.  Student Portfolios: Ask students to keep a portfolio of their work in the garden, including sketches, plant lists, and journal entries. This will give you a chance to see what they are interested in and how their knowledge is growing over time. 
3. Tests and Quizzes: Sure, you can always give a written test on homeschool gardening topics. But why not get creative and design a scavenger hunt or other outdoor activity that will assess students’ knowledge in a fun way? 
4. Gardening Journal: Have students keep a journal of their experiences in the garden. Have them document what they plant, when they water and fertilize, and how the plants grow over time.
5. Camera: You could also give them a camera and have them take photos of the different stages of plant growth, from seed to flower to fruit. Alternatively, you could set up a homeschool garden club, where students can share what they’ve learned with their peers and show off their gardening skills.

Ideas for extending learning beyond the homeschool garden.

As any homeschool parent knows, there is always more to learn.

So why stop at the garden? Here are a few ideas for extending learning beyond the homeschool garden.

1. Take a field trip to a local farm or nursery.
2. Get started on a science experiment by planting different kinds of seeds and observing how they grow.
3. Turn your homeschool garden into an outdoor classroom, using it as a hands-on learning space for subjects like math, biology, and ecology.
4. Consider visiting a botanical garden or arboretum. These places are bursting with plant life, and they offer a great opportunity to learn about different species and how they interact with their environment.
5. Take a gardening class. This is a great way to learn about the ins and outs of growing plants, from soil preparation to pest control.

How is Math used in gardening?

Math is used in gardening in a variety of ways.

1. Learning how to calculate the square footage of a garden plot.
2. Learning how to figure out how much fertilizer to use, based on the size of the garden and the type of fertilizer.
3. A gardener also needs to be familiar with fractions and decimals when measuring out seeds and other planting materials. And of course, there is always the math involved in keeping track of how much money has been spent on gardening supplies!

Here is a Math problem for Grade 10 students:

 Design a garden with three major plants or trees that you need to water using a rotating water sprinkler.

Where should you plant the trees, and where should you install the sprinkler so that all three plants or trees are reached and watered by the sprinkler?

Draw a presentation of your design using the concept of a circle on a Cartesian plane with a clear, detailed, and organized explanation.

Gardening, Biology, and Ecology.

Gardening can also be a great way to learn about biology. Students can observe different parts of the plant and learn how they function. They can also study the process of photosynthesis and see firsthand how plants use sunlight to create food.

Finally, gardening can teach us about ecology, or the ways in which different plants and animals interact with each other and their environment. By studying a garden ecosystem, students can learn about the important role that plants play in our world.

Homeschool gardening can be a fun and interesting way to teach kids about plants, ecology, math, history, and more. By incorporating observation, student portfolios, tests and quizzes, gardening journals, and other assessment strategies into your homeschool garden learning program, you can ensure that your students are learning effectively. And don’t forget to extend learning beyond the garden by taking advantage of field trips, science experiments, outdoor classrooms, and other learning opportunities. With a little planning and effort, your homeschool garden can be a great learning experience for everyone involved.

Suggested Activity: Planting A Sunflower

The goal in planting a sunflower for your homeschool garden is to learn about the growth process of a plant. Sunflowers are a great choice for gardening because they are easy to grow and have a quick turnaround time. Plus, they are just really cool flowers. Here is a step-by-step guide for planting sunflowers in your homeschool garden:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your yard for your garden. Sunflowers need at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow properly.

2. Prepare the soil by tilling it and adding some organic matter. Sunflowers need rich, well-drained soil to grow in.

3. Sow the sunflower seeds about an inch deep in the prepared soil. Space the seeds about 12 inches apart.

4. Water the seeds regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.

5. When the sunflowers are about six inches tall, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain. Space the plants about 18 inches apart.

6. Continue to water the sunflowers regularly and watch them grow! Flowering typically occurs 60-70 days after planting.

Enjoy learning about gardening with your homeschool sunflowers!