As spring reaches its brightest point, nurseries across the UK prepare for National Children’s Gardening Week, running from 23–31 May 2026. It’s a celebration that perfectly aligns with early years values: curiosity, exploration and hands‑on learning.
At KiddyKare Staff Solutions, we see every day how gardening activities help children thrive. Whether it’s planting seeds, digging in soil, or watching a tiny sprout emerge, gardening offers rich opportunities for development. It’s a wonderful way for practitioners to bring the EYFS to life.
Why Gardening Matters in Early Years
Gardening is more than a fun outdoor activity. It supports key areas of learning and development:
- Children learn where food comes from, observe growth cycles and explore nature first-hand.
- Digging, watering, carrying pots and scooping soil build strength, coordination and fine motor skills.
- Gardening introduces new vocabulary – roots, stems, buds, compost – and encourages conversation.
- Caring for plants builds responsibility, patience and pride.
- Counting seeds, comparing plant heights and measuring water all support early numeracy.
Gardening is a natural way to nurture curiosity and confidence, giving children the chance to see the results of their efforts over time.
Easy Gardening Activities
Nurseries don’t need large outdoor spaces to get involved. Here are simple, low‑cost ideas practitioners can lead:
- Seed Planting Stations: Sunflowers, cress, beans and herbs grow quickly and keep children engaged.
- Sensory Herb Gardens: Mint, lavender, rosemary and basil offer rich sensory experiences.
- Mini Bug Hotels: Using sticks, pinecones and recycled materials, children can create habitats for minibeasts.
- Watering Helpers: Children love responsibility small watering cans make this safe and manageable.
- Nature Art: Leaves, petals and natural materials can be used for collages and transient art.
These activities are EYFS‑aligned, inclusive, and easy for flexible staff to support.
How Gardening Builds Independence and Confidence
Gardening gives children real ownership. They see the impact of their actions – watering, caring, checking progress and this builds:
- Resilience
- Problem‑solving skills
- Pride in their achievements
- A sense of calm and focus
For many children, gardening becomes a grounding, therapeutic part of their nursery day.
How KiddyKare Practitioners Support Outdoor Learning
Our flexible childcare staff play a key role in helping nurseries deliver high‑quality outdoor experiences. They support by:
- Leading small gardening groups
- Encouraging safe tool use and modelling good practice
- Helping children explore nature with curiosity and confidence
- Maintaining supervision and safeguarding standards outdoors
- Bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to outdoor provision
Whether a nursery is planting a vegetable patch or simply growing cress on a windowsill, our practitioners can help make the experience meaningful and safe.
Gardening and Safeguarding: What Our Practitioners Consider
Outdoor learning is joyful, but it also requires careful planning. Our practitioners ensure:
- Tools are age‑appropriate and used safely
- Allergies are considered when choosing plants
- Outdoor areas are checked for hazards
- Children are supervised closely during digging and watering
- Hygiene routines are followed after gardening
This balance of exploration and safety is at the heart of high‑quality early years practice.
Let’s Get Growing Together
National Children’s Gardening Week is a wonderful opportunity for nurseries to celebrate nature, nurture curiosity and create hands‑on learning experiences children will remember.
At KiddyKare, we’re proud to support settings with nursery practitioners who bring outdoor learning to life helping children grow, explore and flourish throughout the spring and beyond.
Speak to us today to find out what skills our childcare professionals can bring to your team. Call KiddyKare on 01628 675828.
Author: Jodi Walden
