Fun Gardening Activities to Welcome Summer in India
As summer approaches, it's the perfect time to step outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Gardening is a fantastic way to connect with nature, and it's also one of the best outdoor activities for kids in summer. Whether you have a backyard, a small terrace, or even a tiny balcony, there are plenty of ways to make gardening fun and engaging for the whole family.
From planting vibrant flowers to creating a mini herb garden, let’s explore some exciting gardening activities that will help you and your little ones welcome summer with joy!
1. Growing Summer-Friendly Flowers and Plants
Summer in India brings warmth, sunshine, and a wonderful opportunity to grow heat-loving plants. You can start by planting marigolds, hibiscus, zinnias, and sunflowers. These flowers not only add a pop of color to your garden but also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
For those who want to grow edible plants, consider tomatoes, chilies, mint, and basil, as they thrive in the Indian summer. Even if you don’t have a backyard, you can still grow these plants in pots on your terrace or balcony. If you’re looking for balcony gardening ideas for summer in India, opt for vertical gardens or hanging pots to maximize space.
Fun Activity:
Let your kids pick their favorite flowers and plant them in small pots. Encourage them to take responsibility for watering and caring for the plants daily.
2. DIY Recycled Planters for a Green Touch
Gardening becomes even more exciting when you get creative with planters. Instead of buying new pots, why not repurpose old items? Use empty plastic bottles, coconut shells, tin cans, or old mugs to create unique plant containers. This is not only an eco-friendly approach but also a great DIY activity for kids.
Paint the containers with bright summer colors and patterns before planting small herbs or succulents. This adds a fun artistic touch while teaching kids about sustainability.
Fun Activity:
Set up a painting station where kids can decorate old containers. Let them personalize their planters with stickers, paints, and fun designs.
3. Creating a Mini Herb Garden
A herb garden is an excellent addition to any home, and it's one of the best balcony gardening ideas for summer in India. Herbs like coriander, basil, mint, curry leaves, and lemongrass grow well in the Indian summer with minimal effort.
You can plant them in small pots or a vertical planter to save space. The best part? Fresh herbs enhance the flavor of home-cooked meals and are packed with health benefits.
Fun Activity:
Label each herb with handmade tags and encourage kids to pluck fresh leaves while helping in the kitchen. They’ll love the idea of using “their” plants in everyday meals!
4. Sensory Garden for Kids
Gardening is more than just planting; it’s a full sensory experience! A sensory garden is designed to engage all five senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound.
For a visually appealing garden, grow colorful flowers like petunias and daisies. Fragrant herbs like mint and basil add delightful scents. For touch, plant soft-leaved plants like lamb’s ear or aloe vera. Sound can be incorporated by adding wind chimes or water features.
This is one of the most interactive outdoor activities for kids in summer, as it helps them explore nature in a hands-on way.
Fun Activity:
Create a scavenger hunt where kids must find and describe plants based on their texture, smell, or color.
5. Watering Fun with DIY Irrigation
Watering plants doesn’t have to be boring! Make it fun by setting up a DIY irrigation system using recycled bottles or clay pots. You can poke small holes in plastic bottles, fill them with water, and place them upside down in the soil. This ensures a slow and steady water supply, especially during hot summer days.
Alternatively, use a watering can with a sprinkle nozzle to create a "rain" effect, making it one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities for kids in summer.
Fun Activity:
Let kids take turns being in charge of watering different plants each day. They can measure the growth of plants and track progress weekly.
6. Composting Magic: Turning Scraps into Soil
Composting is a great way to teach kids about sustainability while having fun! Set up a simple composting bin using an old bucket or a wooden box. Let children collect fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and dry leaves to add to the compost pile. Teach them how to layer green (food scraps) and brown (dry leaves, paper) materials to help the compost break down properly. Over time, they’ll witness how waste transforms into rich, fertile soil.
Fun Activity:
Assign kids the role of "Compost Monitors" to check and mix the compost weekly. They can observe the changes, spot little decomposers like earthworms, and even use the finished compost to nourish plants in your garden.
Composting not only reduces waste but also connects children with nature in a meaningful way. Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, this eco-friendly activity can be adapted to any space, making it a valuable learning experience for little gardeners.