Simple ways to connect with nature and build lifelong eco-friendly habits - one seed at a time!
With Earth Day just around the corner on 22 April, it’s the perfect time to step outside with your child, enjoy some fresh air, and start growing something together - even if it’s just in a pot by the window.
At Aussie Kindies, we believe that the best kind of learning happens through play, hands-on experiences, and time spent in nature. While not every one of our centres has a veggie garden or worm farm, many do - and they offer children wonderful opportunities to learn about caring for plants, saving water, and reducing waste.
We also support environmental learning through our Aussie Wildlife Champions program, designed for preschool-aged children (3–5 years) in our School Readiness program. Through this exciting initiative, children learn about Australia’s amazing animals and what we can do to protect their habitats - helping to build environmental awareness from a young age.
And the best part? You can easily bring some of that learning home with a few pots, some seeds, and a little curiosity.
Why Gardening Is Great for Young Kids
Gardening is one of those activities that feels like play but teaches so much.
It helps children:
- Learn about how things grow and where food comes from
- Build fine motor skills through digging, planting, and watering
- Practice responsibility and daily routines
- Explore bugs, worms, and weather (so many learning moments!)
- Develop a lifelong love for nature
It’s also a fun way to slow down together and enjoy something real, outdoors, and screen-free.
Don’t Have a Backyard? No Worries!
Even a small space can become a garden when you get a little creative.
Try this:
- Grow herbs like mint or basil on a sunny windowsill
- Upcycle yoghurt tubs, egg cartons or milk bottles into mini planters
- Use hanging baskets or wall racks for a balcony garden
- Let your child be in charge of watering and checking on the plants each day
No matter where you live, there’s always room to grow something.
Great First Plants for Little Gardeners
Even a small space can become a garden when you get a little creative.
Try this:
- Grow herbs like mint or basil on a sunny windowsill
- Upcycle yoghurt tubs, egg cartons or milk bottles into mini planters
- Use hanging baskets or wall racks for a balcony garden
- Let your child be in charge of watering and checking on the plants each day
No matter where you live, there’s always room to grow something.
Let Your Child Lead the Way
Gardening is a great chance for children to take ownership of something and really feel involved.
Encourage them to:
- Pick the plants
- Help prepare the soil or fill the pots
- Water the garden and look for changes each day
- Talk about bugs they find, leaves they see, or what the weather might do next
These kinds of conversations and discoveries are exactly what we foster through our Aussie Wildlife Champions program - helping children learn to care for nature in ways that are fun, meaningful, and age-appropriate.
How We Support Sustainability at Aussie Kindies
At Aussie Kindies, many of our centres include sustainability-focused activities like:
- Composting leftover food and scraps
- Caring for worms and learning about soil
- Saving water and turning off taps when brushing
- Recycling and using loose parts for craft and play
- Talking about native animals and how to protect their habitats
These experiences support the early learning outcomes in our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, helping children build confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging in their world.
Let’s Get Growing!
You don’t need to be a green thumb to start a little garden - just some seeds, a pot, and the willingness to give it a go. This Earth Day, we encourage you to get outside with your child, grow something together, and start a conversation about caring for our planet.
Want to see how we support sustainability and eco-learning every day?
Find your local Aussie Kindies centre and book a tour today.
Happy planting - and Happy Earth Day!