Toddler in the Garden

Gardening with a Toddler: What We Pack, How We Involve Her, and What We've Learned

Our daughter, Rylee, is in the “Why?” stage right now. Why are there worms in the dirt? Why can’t I use the utility knife? Why does this plant need a new hole and not the one we just dug? The list is endless — and to be honest, it’s one of the best parts. Every question becomes a chance to teach her something new and reminds us to slow down and appreciate the moment.

That’s one of the biggest shifts that happens when gardening with a toddler. You do things slower, with more explaining, more redirecting, and sometimes more snacks than actual planting. But it’s worth every bit of it. There's a quote by David Attenborough that I love, and it’s something I come back to often:

"If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don't understand it, they won't protect it. And if they don't protect it, who will?"

Rylee may not know everything about worms or watering schedules just yet but she’s learning. And the best way for her to learn is to be out there, getting her hands dirty with us.

Ways We Involve Rylee in the Garden

Even at her age, there’s so much she can help with.

• Dig holes (though not always in the right place!)

• Carry tools or seed packets from one row to the next

• Help plant seeds and starter plants

• Fill watering cans and give the plants a “drink”

• Collect soil and rocks in her little bucket

• Help with harvest

Sometimes her help turns into play — and that’s totally okay. The goal isn’t perfect planting. The goal is that she feels part of it.

What We Pack for a Day at the Garden

Since we don’t live at the farm garden, any time we head out there, we’re packing for a full day. No running back to the house for something we forgot — so planning ahead is key.

Here’s what we always bring for Rylee:

• Snacks — applesauce pouches, yogurt, cubed cheese, salami, strawberries, and nuts are go-tos

• Drinks — plenty of cold water and something with electrolytes (like a kids’ sports drink or juice)

• Clothing — a change of clothes, plus a warmer or cooler outfit depending on the forecast

• Sun protection — sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and often a swimsuit (because she will find water)

• First aid kit — we always pack a small kit with the basics, plus BleedStop in case of a deeper cut or scrape

• Favorite toys — our favorite toys for the garden are this classic Dino Bucket, her set of gardening tools, these collapsible buckets and this MollyBee Kids Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Card Deck.

Safety First

The electric fence is always turned off before Rylee even gets out of her car seat. I’ve been shocked by it a few times myself, and I know it’s not something to take lightly. We also make sure she stays hydrated, shaded, and well-fed throughout the day. And while we do our best to keep injuries from happening, sometimes they do. That’s why we always bring a first aid kit, it’s peace of mind we never regret packing. Gardening with a toddler takes extra work, extra snacks, and a whole lot of patience. But it also brings so many rich moments. Watching Rylee carry a watering can almost as big as she is, or seeing her excitement when she plucks a tomato from its plant are the memories that stick.