Spring is the season of growth—and at Kare-A-Lot Daycare, we take full advantage of this beautiful time of year by helping little hands plant, nurture, and harvest their own food! Our spring gardening program is more than just a fun outdoor activity—it’s a hands-on way to teach children about healthy eating, responsibility, and the wonders of nature.
From planting seeds to tasting their homegrown veggies, children at Kare-A-Lot experience the full journey of food, gaining valuable lessons along the way.
Why Gardening Matters for Young Children
Digging in the dirt isn’t just fun—it’s packed with learning opportunities! Gardening introduces children to:
🌱 Science and Nature – Kids observe plant life cycles, learn about weather, soil, and sunlight, and see how nature works together.
🥕 Responsibility and Patience – Children water, weed, and care for their plants daily, learning that good things take time.
🍓 Healthy Habits – Kids are more likely to try fruits and veggies they’ve grown themselves!
🌼 Sensory Exploration – Gardening engages all the senses: the feel of soil, the scent of herbs, the sight of blooming flowers, and the taste of fresh produce.
At Kare-A-Lot, our garden is an extension of the classroom—where curiosity, discovery, and growth bloom together.
From Garden Gloves to Growing Goals
Our spring gardening activities are tailored to be age-appropriate, interactive, and exciting for little learners. Here’s what a typical gardening project looks like:
🌿 Planting Seeds: Children choose from a variety of seeds like lettuce, radishes, carrots, peas, and herbs. They learn how to gently plant them in soil and give them the water and sunlight they need.
🪴 Caring for the Garden: With kid-sized watering cans and garden tools, our students take turns tending to their garden beds—learning teamwork and commitment along the way.
🌻 Tracking Growth: Children observe the changes in their plants, measure growth, and even draw pictures or keep a “garden journal” with help from teachers.
🌞 Celebrating the Harvest: When our fruits, veggies, and herbs are ready, we pick them together, talk about their smells and colors, and most importantly—prepare and taste them!
Healthy Eating Starts with Involvement
One of the biggest benefits of our gardening program is how it connects directly to healthy eating habits. When children grow their own food, they’re more excited to taste it—yes, even the green stuff!
🥬 We make smoothies with spinach they helped grow.
🥕 We slice carrots for snack time straight from the garden.
🌿 We add fresh herbs to mini pizzas and homemade dips.
By turning gardening into mealtime fun, we help children build a positive relationship with healthy foods—a habit that will stick with them for years to come.
Learning That Lasts Beyond Spring
The lessons learned in our spring garden last far beyond the season. Children gain:
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A sense of pride in their work
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A better understanding of where food comes from
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An appreciation for nature, nutrition, and community
We love watching the excitement on their faces as they spot their first sprout or taste their first homegrown snap pea. These small moments are big wins in growing confident, curious, and health-conscious kids.
Final Thoughts
At Kare-A-Lot Daycare, we believe that the best learning is hands-on, joyful, and rooted in real-life experiences. Our “From Seed to Snack” gardening program is a perfect example of how play, learning, and healthy habits can grow side by side.
Want to see our little gardeners in action or learn more about how we nurture healthy habits from the ground up? Contact Kare-A-Lot Daycare today—we’d love to welcome you to our growing garden family! 🌱🍓🥕