With the weather getting warmer, plants and flowers are blooming, and our thoughts turn once again to our gardens. Kids love nothing better than having a good dig around in the mud, so get them involved in simple garden jobs from a young age. From weeding to watering and growing to tending plants, here are 10 great garden chores that the kids are sure to enjoy!

Don’t miss the chance to have your say! We’re looking for parents to get involved and give their feedback on all aspects of family life. Find out more here.

Fresh air is always welcome, and kids love nothing more than getting out and exploring. Get them to explore your garden, from seeds to weeds, and help with some simple garden chores that even young toddlers can get involved with.

You May Also Enjoy 10 Best Nature Activities for Kids to Do in Your Own Garden

Garden Chores for Kids

#1. Weeding

Unfortunately weeding is a necessary evil of having a garden! Teach your children to recognise plants from weeds by getting them to work alongside you. They will enjoy digging up the weeds and seeing the pile grow as they go. Also a good way for them to see how plants grow when they see the roots of the weeds.

You May Also Enjoy 12 Awesome Spring Garden Activities for Preschoolers

#2. Watering Plants

Buy a small watering can for your little ones and let them help water the plants on sunny days. You could give them their own patch or set of pots to look after so they can track the progress. And if you are feeling brave, you could let them loose with the hose!

You May Also Enjoy 10 Wicked Water Games for Kids

#3. Raking Leaves and Cuttings

See if you can source a small rake for your child to use. During the autumn and winter months they can help with the collecting of leaves, and for summer months pick up any stray grass or hedge trimmings. They will enjoy making a big mountain and helping to dispatch that into your compost pile.

You May Also Enjoy 20 Of The Best Outdoor Activities For Toddlers

#4. Picking Ripe Fruit and Vegetables

Plant some strawberry plants, salad leaves and other easy to grow vegetables. When the time comes to pick these get your children to help. This will give them a better understanding of where our food comes from and how tasty food from the garden can be. Be sure to teach them the plants not to eat too.

You May Also Enjoy Growing Your Own Herb Garden

#5. Planting and Sowing

When the time comes to sow seeds, plants and flowers, get your child to help with the digging of the hole and preparation of the ground for the new plants or seeds.

Show them how to place the plant in the ground and pack the earth around them afterwards to ensure they stay in place. You can buy small garden trowels and gloves. They can water the plants once they have finished.

Consider taking your children with you to pick their own packet of seeds, and giving slightly older children their own bed or pots to plant what they wish. They will enjoy seeing plants grow from seeds to edible plants or beautiful flowers. Sunflowers, daisies and highly-scented plants like lavender are always popular!

#6. Checking for Critters

Have your child check the leaves of larger plants to see if they can spot harmful slugs and insects. It is best if an adult treats the plants affected, but your children can be your eyes.

You May Also Enjoy Tips for Making Your Garden A Fun Place To Be

#7. Looking after the Birds and other Animals

If you have a bird table or feeder, give your child the responsibility of looking after it and ensuring there is plenty of food and drink the birds and other animals that visit your garden. You could also try to make your own bird feeder.

Planting bee- and butterfly-friendly plants will also help to make a wildlife-friendly garden.

#8. Help with Painting Walls and Fences

If your garden fence or wall is looking tired, smarten it up with paint or creosote, with some help from your older kids.

#9. Taking Care of Outdoor Toys and Games

Give your child the responsibility of ensuring all outdoor toys and games are tided away after use.

Explain that correctly storing toys like balls, rackets, bikes, scooters and trampolines will prolong their life, and ensure they have them to play with for a long time.

You May Also Enjoy Handy Tips for How to Clean A Trampoline

#10. Deadheading Flowers

Teach your child how to deadhead flowers and plants once they have wilted. Explain that deadheading will give you much better flowers the following year.

You may also enjoy 11 Creative Garden Crafts for Kids

Does your child help in the garden? What garden chores do they like to do? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!