7 Gardening Tools for Kids
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Nothing gets kids excited about gardening like digging in the dirt and coming up with colorful flowers, beans, and herbs. To start you on your journey toward creating a children-friendly yard, here are seven gardening tools every child should have in their garden bag. Most of these can be found at any local home improvement store or nursery for less than $10 each.
1. Kids Watering Can
These watering cans make it easy for kids to water plants and fill small containers with water, which is perfect for filling up small planters, birdbaths, or even watering indoor plants during summer months when they’re out of school.
The best part? They come in all sorts of colors!
2. Shovels
Every kid needs a shovel! Shovels are great for helping kids dig holes, plant seeds, and create paths through gardens.
For little ones who aren’t quite ready to use adult-sized shovels, try one that has a shorter handle so they don’t get frustrated by trying to dig deep holes without bending over too much.
A good rule of thumb is to look for shovels that have a length between 12 and 18 inches.
3. Hand Pruners
Little fingers may not be able to grasp large pruning shears, but hand pruners make it easier for kids to snip off dead leaves and flowers from plants after they’ve bloomed.
Be sure to pick some with an ergonomic grip so there’s no risk of injury while your kids are learning how to care for their plants.
If you want to teach them how to properly cut branches, find pruners with curved blades—these will help prevent nicks and cuts.
4. Pots & Planters
While many plants can thrive in-ground soil, others do better in pots filled with rich soil and compost.
As your child learns more about planting different types of plants together, they’ll need pots of varying sizes—which is why it’s a good idea to buy a few extra just in case one breaks.
And remember, if you have an old pot lying around that you don’t mind getting dirty, let your child paint it with bright colors or fun patterns.
This will encourage them to play outside longer and take pride in what they’ve created.
5. Gloves
Gardening gloves are designed to protect hands from blisters caused by repetitive tasks such as weeding flower beds or raking leaves.
They’re also a smart investment for kids, especially those with sensitive skin.
Look for gloves made of leather or other natural materials to ensure they’re comfortable and breathable.
6. Water Sprinkler
Sprinklers are great for keeping kids cool in hot weather and encouraging them to stay active outdoors.
Many sprinklers attach to hoses, making it easy to move them around your yard as needed.
You can also purchase sprinklers that attach to a hose or turn any container into a sprinkler.
7. Wheelbarrow
There is nothing kids love more than playing in the dirt, and wheelbarrows make it easy for them to move piles of mulch, soil, and rocks around their yard.
Wheelbarrows are available in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your child’s height.
Final Thoughts
As well as being great fun these simple garden tools can help nurture a sense of responsibility in young children while they get an early understanding of nature.