Post updated July 2025.
Simple ways to connect with nature and build lifelong eco-friendly habits, one seed at a time.
With Earth Day coming up on 22 April, it’s the perfect opportunity to step outside, breathe in some fresh air, and start growing something with your child, even if it’s just a few herbs on a sunny windowsill.
At Aussie Kindies, we believe some of the best learning happens when children explore, play, and connect with the world around them. Gardening is a beautiful way to slow down, ask questions, and build everyday habits that show care for our planet.
Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a couple of pots, you can dig in and grow together.
Why Gardening Is Great for Young Kids
Gardening might feel like a simple weekend activity, but for children, it’s full of rich learning moments. It helps them:
- Understand how plants grow and where food comes from
- Develop fine motor skills through digging, scooping, and watering
- Build responsibility through daily care routines
- Explore nature through bugs, soil, sunshine, and weather
- Cultivate curiosity and a lifelong love for the environment
And best of all? It’s a chance to spend time together outdoors, away from screens, and focused on something real and rewarding.
No Backyard? No Worries!
Even a small space can become a thriving garden with a bit of creativity. Try:
- Growing herbs like mint or basil on a sunny kitchen windowsill
- Upcycling yoghurt tubs, milk bottles or egg cartons into planters
- Using hanging baskets or vertical planters on a balcony
- Letting your child take the lead on watering and plant-checks each day
No matter where you live, there’s always room to grow something, and children love seeing the results of their care and effort.
Great First Plants for Little Gardeners
Starting with quick-growing, child-friendly plants keeps things fun and motivating. Some favourites include:
- Sunflowers - big, bright and dramatic
- Snow peas - they grow fast and taste great right off the vine
- Cherry tomatoes - perfect for little hands to harvest
- Lettuce or rocket - grows quickly and can be snipped for sandwiches
- Herbs - like basil, parsley or mint for instant scent and flavour
Let your child choose what they’d like to grow - giving them ownership from the start makes the experience even more meaningful.
Let Your Child Take the Lead
Gardening is a wonderful way for children to feel capable, connected, and curious.
Encourage them to:
- Pick the plants
- Fill the pots or prepare the soil
- Notice changes and celebrate new leaves or buds
- Chat about the bugs they find or how the weather affects the plants
These little discoveries and questions are part of how children learn to care for the world around them, something we nurture every day at Aussie Kindies through our play-based, sustainability-minded curriculum.
How We Support Sustainability at Aussie Kindies
At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, many of our centres include sustainability activities as part of everyday learning. These may include:
- Composting fruit and veggie scraps
- Feeding worm farms and learning about soil health
- Turning off taps and saving water
- Recycling and using loose parts in craft and play
- Talking about Australian animals and how we can protect their environment
All of these experiences support the early learning outcomes in our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, helping children build confidence, care, and a deep sense of belonging in their world.
Let’s Get Growing!
You don’t need to be a gardening expert to plant something with your child. With a handful of seeds, a little dirt, and a lot of enthusiasm, you can grow something together, while also growing their love for nature.
This Earth Day, we invite you to dig, plant, and grow, with your child by your side.
Want to see how we support sustainability and outdoor learning every day? Find your local Aussie Kindies centre and book a tour >