6 ideas for indoor gardening with kids

Turns out, you don't need a backyard to teach your child the benefits of gardening.
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Disclaimer: I was past 40 when I discovered something special. I like having a plant around. As a result, I hope to instill a love of gardening and appreciation for nature in my kids. I grew up with a big backyard and a mom who loves to garden, but it wasn’t until many years of apartment living that I realized I took that part of my childhood for granted. Now, with no garden in sight (except for the plants I received as gifts that never quite made it, sadly), I’m looking for ways my children and I can bring nature indoors and watch something grow. Eliza Blank, founder and CEO of The Sill, an NYC-based indoor plant company (and Motherly podcast guest), says, “Plants are an important part of nurturing yourself and your children.” I couldn’t agree more.
Whether it’s beginning with an herb garden, going head first and attempting to grow carrots or even a cute little succulent, indoor plants and gardening have many benefits, from reducing stress to increasing productivity. Ready to watch nature do its thing and discover if there are any green thumbs at your house? Let’s go!
6 ways to indoor garden with your kids:
A version of this story was published April 5, 2021. It has been updated.