Introducing children to gardening can be a powerful and rewarding experience. According to Beth Richardson, author of "Gardening with Children," kids develop a sense of wonder along with new skills and abilities as they putter about in the garden. Your toddler isn't too young to get started. Just make sure she's well outfitted for the task.
Mini Wheelbarrow
Get your child into a gardening groove with a mini wheelbarrow. This childhood favorite is available in either sturdy steel or plastic and is small and light enough for your toddler to maneuver. Despite its size, your little one can still fit his tools, seed packets and watering can into it to tote them to the garden for a day of digging.
Garden Tool Sets
These tools are small enough for little hands and have rounded edges so your toddler won't risk cutting himself. When you buy them in a set---such as a shovel or spade, trowel and cultivator---your toddler will have everything she needs for gardening. She can help you rake leaves, dig holes to plant seeds or seedlings, or help create vegetable garden beds. Some sets come in brightly-colored totes with kid-friendly flowers or animal designs.
Toddler's Watering Can
Toddler's watering cans are made from aluminum or plastic material and come in a variety of designs and colors that will inspire your toddler to sprinkle flowers and plants in your garden. The funkier designs are multicolored and have kid-friendly patterns. Some feature spouts in the shape of flowers, while other cans come in animal shapes, for instance, bees or frogs.
Garden Gloves and Knee Pads
Gardening can be tough on a few areas of the body. Since your toddler's skin is still soft and delicate, keep his fingers and hands safe from thorns, splinters and sharp rocks with a set of vibrantly colored toddler garden gloves. For protection when kneeling in the garden, purchase a set of garden knee pads. Look for those made from comfortable foam with adjustable straps and hooks to secure them around his knees so he can move about easily in the garden.
Safety
When purchasing toddler garden tools, make sure there are no small removable parts that your child could accidentally swallow, advises SafeGardening.com. Also, show your toddler how to use her tools. She may forget if you show her just once, so demonstrate a few times until you're assured she can use them safely on her own.
