Gardening: A Montessori Approach

Spring is the perfect time to connect children with the natural world, and what better way than through gardening? For the Montessori child, gardening is about more than planting seeds; it's about nurturing curiosity, instilling respect for living things, and learning to care for the world around them. Let’s look at some ways we can start nurturing those little green thumbs!

The Prepared Garden Environment

As always we want to start with child size tools. This allows them to participate comfortably and effectively. A small watering can they can fill and carry themselves, hand trowel, spade and/or rake, and child size gardening gloves are all great tools to start with.

They also need an easy to reach planting area. A raised garden bed, planters, or just some areas in the yard they can safely reach. If you are an avid gardener, share your knowledge about vertical planting or anything else that is special about the planters or area you are using.

Use visual cues so your child knows where it is safe for her body to be. Small rocks, labels and signs, or other visual cues can designate where the plants are and where your child can safely care for them. You can also set up a special place for her to observe her work such as a chair or mat.

Choose plants with different colors, smells, and textures. Planting herbs, vegetables, and fruits will allow them to smell and taste the results of their hard work. And bonus, they can use them in dishes they can help prepare. They will just burst with pride. Flowers and plants with different colors, smells and textures will also engage their senses and can be used to make beautiful flower arrangements.

Garden Activities

Guide your child through the process of planting seeds. Start by explaining the simple steps: gently placing seeds in soil, watering them, and providing sunlight. Emphasize that seeds need time to sprout, just like little ones need time to grow! Use clear jars to allow your child to observe the fascinating process of root development - a hidden world unfolding right before their eyes. Talk about their observations and the changes they see each day. This fosters a sense of wonder and teaches them the importance of careful observation and patience.

Show them how to water and weed their plants. These are skills everyone with a garden or yard needs. Show them how much and when to water and which plants are weeds and how to pull them. Caring for plants instills respect for living things and a sense of responsibility.

Enjoying the fruits of their labor. Talk to them about what to look for when harvesting fruits or vegetables, what does a ripe strawberry or bell pepper look like? How do we get it off of the vine? Show them how to cut flowers and arrange them in a small vase to beautify their space. Show them how to prepare their creations for the whole family to enjoy. Have fun with this part, it is the reward of their hard, purposeful work.

You can see the care and concentration with which she performs her task.

A few notes.

Use the proper names for things. This is a Dahlia, this is a spade, this is soil. Up until around the age of 5 or 6 children are in their sensitive period for language. This means they are more apt at learning language than in any other time in their life. Take advantage of this in the garden and all aspects of life.

Tell them why. Why we pull weeds, why plants need sun, why we wait for strawberries to turn red? Explaining why is crucial because it fosters genuine understanding, sparks curiosity, and shows children that their questions and observations are valued. Doing this demonstrates our respect for their growing minds and nurtures lifelong learners.

Share your knowledge and passion. If you are really into native plants, love plants that invite pollinators, or love to grow and can your own food, share that with your child. Tell them why this is important to you and invite them to share that passion.

Gardening is a wonderful way to cultivate a love for nature and learning in your children. By creating a 'prepared garden environment' and incorporating Montessori principles, you can empower your little sprouts to grow alongside their plants.

Interested in learning more about Montessori at home? Contact us for a consultation.