How to get kids excited about gardening

SALT LAKE CITY – We all know that many adults love gardening, but how can we get kids to feel just as excited about it?

On the latest KSL Greenhouse show, Taun interviewed USU Extension Professor and Utah 4-H Program Lead Dave Francis about how to get kids excited about gardening.

Why is it important for kids to learn how to garden?

Francis thinks that kids aren’t going outside and engaging with the natural world these days. He wants kids to know that gardening is actually really fun.

“They get to see that wonder that comes from actually growing things. The kids need a spark, and for a lot of kids, the ability to nurture and care for a plant—that fuels their spark,” Francis said.

How can we encourage kids who initially don’t like to garden?

Francis says you have to start with the fun. Ask yourself, “Where’s the fun and where’s the spark that can get kids involved in gardening?”

For some kids, that spark is about using their imagination and creativity. For example, they could picture themselves growing a dragon-themed garden, where they can plant hot peppers and red snapdragons.

On the other hand, it could also be a vehicle for entrepreneurship. Kids might enjoy the hustle of selling fresh produce or value-added products.

And for some kids, it’s about service. They grow food so they can share it with other people.

“Find another motivator that drives them. Talk to them through the lens of gardening about that motivator. Come up with different colors—different ideas, designs—that will maybe engage and entice your kids to want to go outside and garden,” Francis said.

Listen to the full segment on our podcast below!

The KSL Greenhouse is on every Saturday from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. You can follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.