Give kids a green thumb with fun gardening activities

KidsGardening reports that it sees firsthand the positive and life-changing experiences plants and gardening bring to children and offers these 10 at-home activities.

Kitchen scrap gardening

Help the planet and clean up your kitchen at the same time. This activity is great for thinking about where your food comes from.

Sprout carrot tops or avocado pits or the top of a pineapple in water.

Plant a birdseed “garden” in half of an eggshell. Or start a compost pile.

Seed viewer

Explore plants by sprouting simple dried beans and peas from the soup grocery aisle.

Plant people

Create your own “Chia Pet” family with chia seeds and water on a terracotta flowerpot.

Grow your own salad

Kids who grow edibles are more likely to eat them. Start seeds indoors and transplant outside when the soil warms up.

Pressed flowers

Save beautiful spring blooms for future crafts. Pressed flowers provide a base for numerous projects and gifts.

Leaf and flower prints

Engage those high-energy kids with this fun craft. Use craft paper and a can of spray paint plus leaves.

Make more plants from houseplants

Houseplants make great gifts, and this activity makes a great “giving” exercise. Many houseplants, such as jade tree, philodendron and ivies, can be sprouted in water.

Hydroponics

Have you ever wondered how hydroponics really work? All you need to start is a cup with a cover, water and seeds.

Family garden scavenger hunt

Turn garden exploration into a game! Make a list of things to find, and you can even have prizes for those competitive family members.

Soil art

No paint on hand? No problem. With a little glue and water, soil can inspire creative monochromatic artwork.

For additional ideas, KidsGardening has even more lesson plans, garden activities and garden basics. Look to the National Garden Bureau for further gardening inspiration for kids.