Winter can be an overlooked time in the garden, but it’s actually one of the most important times of year for the soil and plant life to rest, regenerate, and prepare for the upcoming spring. It’s also a wonderful season to explore with children! By introducing kids to the beauty and changes that happen in the garden during the winter months, you can foster a deeper appreciation for the cycles of nature, as well as help them develop valuable skills in observation, patience, and curiosity.
In this activity, we will take children on a Winter Nature Walk through the garden, encouraging them to observe the subtle yet fascinating transformations that occur when the weather turns colder. They will notice how the soil is impacted by the colder weather, how leaves help nourish the earth, and how some plants hold on while others retreat to rest until spring.
Winter Nature Walk: A Closer Look at Nature’s Changes
When you take your children on a winter garden walk, encourage them to keep their senses open to all the changes they can observe. You may be surprised at how much there is to notice, even in the colder months. Here are some helpful prompts and ideas for your walk:
Changes in the Soil: During winter, the soil is less active than in the warmer months. It is dormant, but it’s still important for sustaining life in the garden. The earth naturally cools, and the ground often becomes harder and firmer. Take a moment to dig a little in the garden soil. Ask your children to feel how cold and dry it is. Discuss how different types of soil hold water, and how that can affect the plants during the next growing season.
Learning Activity: Have children place their hands in the soil and feel the difference between frozen and unfrozen patches. You can also use magnifying glasses to take a closer look at the texture of the soil and any small organisms that may be living within.
Signs of Dormant Plants: In the winter garden, many plants have entered dormancy, meaning they’ve stopped growing and are conserving energy for the next season. Children will notice that many plants appear bare or withered, but this is a natural part of the life cycle. Explain how plants use this time to rest before the vibrant growth of spring.
Learning Activity: Ask your children to identify plants that are dormant, such as perennials or biennials. Discuss how these plants will return in the spring and grow anew. You can also talk about how the roots continue to grow in the winter, preparing for the springtime sprouting.
The Importance of Leaves: As the leaves fall and decay, they play an important role in the garden ecosystem. Decomposing leaves release essential nutrients back into the soil, enriching it and preparing it for new growth. This is a perfect time to teach kids about the nutrient cycle, and how leaves help fertilize the garden by breaking down into compost.
Learning Activity: Have children collect different leaves that have fallen from trees, bushes, or plants. Discuss their different shapes, colors, and textures. Use magnifying glasses to closely inspect veins and edges. Explain how some leaves decompose faster than others, and how they help replenish nutrients in the soil.
What’s Growing in the Winter Garden: While many plants are dormant, some hardy plants continue to grow throughout the winter months. Winter is the perfect time for hardy greens like kale, spinach, and cabbage to thrive. These plants are adapted to cold weather and can grow when temperatures dip lower. By walking around and observing these crops, kids can see how some vegetables continue to thrive even when it’s cold outside.
Learning Activity: Take a tour of the farm or garden to find winter vegetables still growing. Let your children pick a leaf or two from the kale or cabbage and feel how cold it is. Explain how certain plants have developed special abilities to survive the cold and how farmers use these crops for winter harvests.
Animal Tracks and Signs: Even if you don’t see any animals in the garden, you might find evidence of them through their tracks. Animals like deer, rabbits, and squirrels leave footprints or signs of their movement in the snow or frozen ground. These can be great opportunities for kids to observe wildlife habits and learn how animals survive in the winter months.
Learning Activity: Walk through the snow or frost-covered ground with your children, searching for animal tracks. You can take photos or draw the tracks and research which animals might have left them. Discuss the survival strategies of local wildlife during winter.
Engaging Kids in the Winter Garden
Winter Scavenger Hunt: Create a winter scavenger hunt for your children to find various garden elements. They can look for things like:
A fallen leaf
A bare tree branch
A piece of compost
A sign of an animal
A frozen puddle This not only encourages them to pay attention to their surroundings but also lets them explore nature more thoroughly.
Leaf Crafting: Use the fallen leaves they collect during their walk to make simple crafts. Children can create leaf prints or make leaf bookmarks. These activities help them connect with the environment while also practicing their creativity.
Winter Garden Journal: Encourage your children to start a winter garden journal where they can record their observations. They can draw pictures of what they see, write down questions they have, or document changes they notice as the season progresses.
Planting in Winter: If you have access to an indoor space, let the children try planting seeds in small pots or containers. This can be an exciting way to prepare for the spring garden and give them the chance to learn about seed starting and plant care.
Looking Ahead to Spring
Winter is the perfect time for kids to learn about the importance of rest and regeneration in the natural world. As we move forward into the new season, this period of winter dormancy sets the stage for the new growth that will happen in the spring. By introducing children to the processes that take place in the garden during the winter months, they gain a deeper understanding of how nature works and how we can help nurture it for the future.
We’re also excited to announce that registration for our children’s farm camp is opening soon! The camp is designed to teach kids about gardening, farming, sustainability, and where our food comes from. With hands-on experiences, including planting, harvesting, cooking with fresh farm produce, and engaging with nature, our farm camp is the perfect way for your children to learn about sustainability and the environment in a fun and interactive way.
Keep an eye out for registration details—spaces fill up quickly. Make sure to sign up early for the opportunity to immerse your child in the world of farming and help them develop a lifelong love for where their food comes from!
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