If you're looking for ways to get your kids involved in the garden, look no further. In this blog post, we will provide a list of age-appropriate chores in the garden for your children. So grab your gardening gloves and let's get started!
Benefits of doing garden chores for kids
There are many benefits to getting kids involved in chores, and garden chores are no exception. In fact, garden chores can teach children responsibility, help them develop a love for nature, and give them a sense of accomplishment.
It also gets them outside in the fresh air and sunshine, which is great for their physical and mental health. Plus, gardening can be a great way to bond with your children and spend some quality time together. As far as chores go, gardening is definitely one of the more fun and rewarding options. Plus, with a bit of creativity, you can find some ways of making chores fun — and maybe instil in your child a lifelong love of the outdoors and nature.
Garden chores for 5-6 year olds
Here is a list of garden chores that are appropriate for children aged five to six:
- Watering the plants — Kids can help water the plants by using a watering can or hose. This is a great way to teach them about how plants need water to grow. Just be sure to show them how much water each plant needs.
- Picking up sticks and leaves — Sticks and leaves can make the garden look messy. Help your child clean up and add garden waste to the compost heap.
- Planting seeds — Kids can help plant seeds in the garden. This is a great way to teach them some fundamentals of nature, like how plants grow.
- Mulching the garden — Mulching helps to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from growing. Kids can have fun spreading mulch around the garden.
Related: Chores for 6 and 7 year olds
Garden chores for 7-8 year olds
Here is a list of garden chores that are appropriate for children aged seven to eight:
- Weeding — Children will love to help pull weeds, but be sure to supervise them closely. Some weeds can be harmful, while some flowers can be mistaken for weeds. Think about supplying your child with gloves and a trowel before pointing out which of the pesky plants in your bed are on the hit list.
- Cleaning up debris — Kids can help clean up stones and other larger debris from the garden. Make sure you show them where to put the debris, so it doesn't end up in the wrong bin.
- Picking fruits and vegetables — This is a fun task for kids of all ages. Let them help you pick ripe fruit and vegetables from the garden.
Related: Chores for 8 and 9 year olds
Garden chores for 9–10 year olds
Here is a list of garden chores that are appropriate for children aged nine to ten:
- Fertilising — Children can help spread fertiliser around plants. Just be sure to show them how much fertiliser each plant needs. Along the way, you can tell them about some of the nutrients and elements (such as nitrogen) that a plant needs to grow.
- Planting — Children can help plant seeds, bulbs, and plants in the garden. All you need to do is show them how deep to plant each one first.
- Harvesting — Kids can help harvest fruits and vegetables from the garden. It would also be useful to teach them how to wash and store produce properly.
Related: Free printable chore chart, Chores for 10-12 year olds
Garden chores for 11-13 year olds
Here is a list of garden chores that are appropriate for children aged 11 to 13:
- Mowing – This is the big job in the garden. Allow your child to mow the lawn using a push mower. It’s advised to supervise them closely at first, just to make sure they understand how to operate the mower safely.
- Edging – Kids can help edge the lawn using a shovel or edging tool. Take some time to show them how to use the tool properly.
- Raking – Allow your child to rake leaves in autumn. Some rakes can be spikey and a little sharp, so make sure your child understands how to use the rake properly.
- Pruning — Kids can help prune plants using shears or clippers. This will involve sharp tools, so be sure to supervise them closely.
Related: Best chores for teens
Garden chores for 14 and older
Here is a list of garden chores that are appropriate for teenagers 14 and older:
- Digging — Teens can help dig holes for plants using a shovel. This is also a great way to exert some energy. Just be sure to show them how deep to dig each hole, or else they may continue until you have the space for a small pond!
- Transplanting — Teenagers can help transplant seedlings or small plants using a trowel or spade. This is a delicate job, so it’s best to work together on the first few transplants.
- Installing irrigation — Teens can help install irrigation systems using hose, tubing and other materials. It might be worth checking your child's progress regularly or risk a flooded vegetable patch.
- Building raised beds — Your teen can help build raised beds using wood, bricks or stone. This is a great activity to do together. Allow them to measure and cut some of the materials you use.
As you can see, there is a variety of garden chores appropriate for children of all ages. Just be sure to supervise them closely and make sure they understand how to perform each task safely.
How to reward for garden chores
There are several ways you can reward your children for completing their chores. Maybe give them a special treat, like their favourite snack or a toy, or you can simply praise them for a job well done.
You can also choose to reward them financially, such as linking their pocket money to their chores or paying them separately for each chore. This is a great way to teach children the value of hard work and responsibility and promote good money habits from an early age. Plus, it's bound to motivate them to complete their chores and do a good job.
With GoHenry's kids' debit card and pocket money app, you can set up paid tasks that allow you to link your child’s pocket money to chores. Set paid tasks within your parent app and you or your child can mark them as complete when the task is finished. When a task is marked as complete, your child will get paid for the task on their regular pocket money day.
