Written by Alicia Jordan, Boots on the Farm Consulting, LLC
Gardening with young children in December is an experience that blends exploration, learning, and a touch of holiday wonder. While most gardens have settled into their winter slumber, there are still plenty of activities and lessons to be shared with little ones.
Engaging children in the garden during this quieter season teaches them about nature’s rhythms and fosters curiosity and creativity. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the past growing season and look ahead to the next one, all while spending quality time outdoors (or bringing garden fun indoors).
December Garden Activities for Kids
Explore Winter Wonders
Even in December, gardens are full of surprises. Take children on a scavenger hunt for signs of winter, like frosty leaves, animal tracks, or the last hardy plants. Encourage them to touch, smell, and observe their surroundings, sparking conversations about how plants and animals prepare for the cold.
Plant Something New
December is the perfect time to introduce indoor gardening. Planting herbs like basil, parsley, or mint in small pots lets children experience the joy of nurturing something green during winter. If you’re in a mild climate, try planting garlic or onions outdoors for a spring harvest.
Create Garden Art
Encourage creativity with garden-inspired crafts. Children can collect twigs, leaves, and seeds to make holiday ornaments, nature collages, or even painted garden markers for the coming year. These activities combine artistic expression with lessons about the natural world.
Plan for Spring
Involve children in dreaming up next year’s garden. Flip through seed catalogs together, make drawings of what you want to plant, or create a garden wish list. This activity fosters imagination and helps kids feel invested in future garden projects.
Feed the Birds
December is a great time to teach children about caring for wildlife. Help them make simple bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang the feeders in the garden and watch birds come to visit, creating opportunities to discuss the importance of helping animals during winter.
Lessons from the Winter Garden
The garden in December offers valuable lessons for young learners:
Patience: Watching seeds sprout or waiting for birds to visit teaches children that good things take time.
Observation: With less greenery, the quiet details of the garden stand out, encouraging children to notice textures, colors, and patterns.
Gratitude: Reflecting on the harvests of the past season fosters an appreciation for the food we eat and the effort it takes to grow it.
Bringing the Garden Indoors
For days when it’s too cold to be outside, bring garden-inspired activities indoors:
Start a Worm Bin: Teach children about composting and the role worms play in the garden ecosystem.
Garden-Themed Stories: Read books about gardens and nature to keep the spirit of gardening alive.
Cooking Together: Use stored or preserved produce to make simple recipes, such as roasted vegetables or herb butter, connecting the garden to the kitchen.
Gardening in December may look different from the bustling activity of spring and summer, but it’s no less meaningful. It’s a time to nurture curiosity, creativity, and connection—both with nature and with each other.
A Season to Nurture Growth
As we pause to appreciate the quiet beauty of the winter garden, we also plant the seeds for a lifelong love of growing, learning, and exploring.
Warm wishes for a joyful December,
Alicia Jordan
Boots on the Farm Consulting, LLC
