Everyone Grows: Adaptive Strategies for Inclusive Youth Gardening
Gardening can be a powerful source of joy, learning, and growth when programs are designed to support every child. Learn how to make common garden activities accessible to learners with specific needs.
At KidsGardening, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to dig in, explore, and grow through gardening. But we also know that traditional approaches don’t always meet the needs of every learner.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce a powerful new resource.
This comprehensive guide was developed through an occupational therapy lens to help educators, caregivers, and program leaders make gardening more accessible, inclusive, and successful for all children.
Designed for Real-World Use
Gardens are naturally rich learning environments, but they can also present challenges. This resource helps you “think like an OT” by looking at the whole child, the task, and the environment to remove barriers and support participation.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Practical adaptations for 11 common garden activities, from seed planting to harvesting
- Strategies to support physical, sensory, cognitive, and social-emotional development
- Clear, step-by-step activity instructions that can be used immediately in classrooms, childcare settings, and community programs
- Resources to familiarize yourself with adaptive garden tools, therapeutic vocabulary, and adaptive teaching strategies.
Everyone Grows: Adaptive Strategies for Inclusive Youth Gardening
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Why This Matters
Gardening is more than growing plants. It’s a pathway to building motor skills, problem-solving abilities, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging.
This resource recognizes that every learner is different and provides flexible, thoughtful strategies to ensure all children can fully engage in the joy of gardening.
Built for Inclusion
Created by an occupational therapy doctoral student passionate about access and participation, this guide bridges research and hands-on practice. It’s designed to meet educators where they are, whether you’re just starting a garden or adapting an existing program.
Start Growing Together
If you’ve ever wondered how to better support diverse learners in your garden program, this resource gives you the tools to do it.
Because when we design gardens for everyone, everyone grows.
You can download the guide in its entirety or as individual resources to start building a more inclusive garden today!
Introduction
Plant Propagation
Weeding
Garden Journaling
Occupational Therapists’ Top 10 Tips
Planting Container Gardens
Mulching
Data Collection
Therapeutic Gardening Skills Word Bank
Planting Seedlings
Hand Watering
Adaptive Garden Tools
Indoor Seed Planting
Planting Seeds Outside
Harvesting
Webinar: Adaptive Strategies for Inclusive Gardening
May 13, 2026, 4pm ET
This webinar will help educators and caregivers navigate the Everyone Grows resource guide and provide attendees with simple, practical strategies for modifying KidsGardening activities and lesson plans to be accessible to learners with specific physical, cognitive, sensory, and social/emotional needs.
About the Presenter
Riley Carpenter, OTD, recently graduated from Western Michigan University with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Her doctoral capstone project aims to increase individuals’ access to and participation in nature-based activities to support health and well-being. As part of her capstone in partnership with KidsGardening, Riley created this resource to provide modifications that make gardening activities more accessible. She is passionate about advocating for the many benefits of nature for physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and personally enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and gardening.
