Playing in the Garden this Fall

Submitted by Diane Gallagher, Lethbridge Polytechnic

Harvest time is here and it’s a great time for the whole family to get out in the garden. We’ve been watching our plants and veggies grow all summer and now it’s time to enjoy tomatoes, squash, potatoes, carrots, fall strawberries and more. Working in the earth and getting our hands dirty is simply satisfying at any age. Research shows that gardening not only supports physical health, but mental health as well. Connecting with nature has so many health benefits!

Harvesting

Get your kids or grandkids involved in digging and picking the crops and ask for their ideas on what to do with them. Being involved in food preparation often encourages kids to try foods they might otherwise decline. Digging in the ground to find all those potatoes is always satisfying! Don’t forget to enjoy fall flowers too. Pull out some scissors and snip a few beauties to create a bouquet to enjoy indoors. Seed harvesting can also be fun. Save some seeds to plant next year or use your seeds to make artwork. When crops are finished, everyone can help rake, pull plants and dig leaves or compost into the garden to give it a head start for next year.

Planting

Thinking ahead to spring - Now is the time to plant bulbs so we can enjoy beautiful spring flowers. Kids can helps decide where to plant them, dig holes and cover the bulbs.

Gardens in our Community

If you don’t have a garden at home, there are several in our community that offer fall activities. From corn mazes to pumpkin patches and just exploring the river bottom in the fall, there are great opportunities to get out and play in the dirt and nature. Everyone can enjoy the products of a fall harvest, as well as the physical, social and emotional benefits associated with gardening and nature play.