
Gardening Resources for Early Childhood Educators
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, National Head Start Association and KidsGardening have joined together to combat some of the most pressing challenges facing today’s youngest generation, improving access to healthy food and increasing time spent outdoors connected to nature. The three-year partnership will work to bring the powerful, life-enhancing benefits of gardens to one million at-risk Head Start children and families across the country each year through the development of edible gardens and hands-on garden education.
Gardens are an amazing resource in early childhood education classrooms. They offer hands-on learning experiences and provide the chance for inquiry-based exploration while also inspiring children's natural curiosity and wonder. Garden activities can readily be integrated into the curriculum and designed to support the cognitive, physical, social and development of young children. Additionally, they provide ample opportunities to engage families and community members. Some noted benefits of garden-based education programs include:
- Build an understanding of and respect for nature and the environment
- Motivate kids to eat and love fruits and vegetables
- Provide opportunities for hands-on learning, inquiry, observation and experimentation
- Promote physical activity and quality outdoor experiences
- Teach kids to nurture and care for other living things while developing patience
- Offer opportunities for positive social interactions and team building experiences with students, families and community members
Gro More Good Webinar Series
Join us for a year-long webinar series to discover the many ways gardening activities can be used to promote the health and wellness of young children and their families.
Gro More Good Webinar; Fall in the Head Start Garden
October 3, 3:00-4:0pm ET
Register to View the Archive
Gro More Good Webinar; Winter in the Head Start Garden
January 8, 3:00-4:0pm ET
Register to View the Archive
Gro More Good Webinar; Spring in the Head Start Garden
March 5, 3:00-4:0pm ET
Register to View the Archive
Gro More Good Webinar; Summer in the Head Start Garden
May 7, 3:00-4:0pm ET
Register here
Resources for Early Childhood Gardens
- Starting and Sustaining an Early Childhood Education Garden Program
- Early Childhood Curriculum, Lesson Plans, and Garden-Related Children’s Literature
- Early Childhood Gardening How-To Support
- Early Childhood Garden Funding Opportunities
- Garden Activities for Families and Educators
- Gardening at Home With Young Children
- Plants and Garden Themes for Young Children
- Garden Support for Early Childhood Educators