Gardening with Babies is something we’ve been enjoying with this glorious spring weather at Blue Windmill, and it’s often the simplest moments that work best.
Our babies have been busy at the Watering Station, filling small jugs from the water butts and carefully (and sometimes not so carefully) watering the herbs. There’s a lovely sense of purpose as they scoop, carry, and pour — even if quite a bit of water ends up on the path along the way.
Small jobs for small hands
We bring down our herb planters so everything is easy to reach. Mint, thyme and rosemary sit low enough for little hands to touch, smell and explore. Some babies are very focused on the pouring, while others are more interested in patting the soil or brushing the leaves and sniffing their fingers afterwards.
There’s no right or wrong way to join in. It’s all part of the experience.
What they’re learning (without realising it)
Even at this early stage, babies are picking up so much just by having a go:
- how to carry and balance a small jug
- what happens when water is poured onto soil
- how things change from one day to the next
They’re also building confidence — moving around the space, making choices, and trying things out for themselves.
It doesn’t have to be perfect
If you’re picturing neat rows of carefully watered plants, that’s not quite how it looks. Sometimes the water goes everywhere except the pot. Sometimes the jug gets refilled over and over again without much watering happening at all.
That’s completely fine.
What matters is that the children are involved, interested, and enjoying being outside.
Gardening is starting to become a familiar part of the day. The babies know where the Watering Station is, they recognise the jugs, and they’re beginning to choose where to go and what to do. It’s a simple routine, but one that helps them feel settled and included.
Gardening with babies at its best
You don’t need a big garden to try this at home. A few pots, a small jug, and a bit of water is enough. Herbs are a great place to start as they’re safe, smell interesting, and grow quickly.
You might find, just like we have, that it’s the carrying, pouring and repeating that children enjoy most.
Simple, hands-on, and a little bit messy — that’s Gardening with Babies at its best.
Come and see it for yourself
If you would like to learn more about Blue Windmill Nursery in Rugby or arrange a visit, please get in touch.
