Gardening is special – but it becomes even more fun when you do it with your children! Planting bulbs is the perfect way to turn the autumn season into a cosy and educational outdoor adventure. It’s not only fun and creative, but also a small nature experience where children learn how a beautiful flower can grow from a tiny bulb. Getting your hands dirty together, a bit of soil here, a splash of water there… and voilà – your very own spring garden in the making!
In this blog, we’ll show you why it’s so lovely to involve your children in this cheerful autumn activity.
Choose the right bulbs for your project
For children, the most exciting part is seeing how things grow – so fast bloomers are ideal! Bulbs such as crocuses, snowdrops and grape hyacinths often surprise you early in spring with their first bursts of colour. This way, the little ones won’t have to wait too long to see the results of their hard work, and their enthusiasm will stay high. Let them choose their own favourites at the garden centre – it makes planting even more enjoyable, and they’ll proudly await the first signs of spring.
A playful approach for young gardeners
Children love games and challenges. Turn bulb planting into a small project: give each child their own patch of garden or a little pot. Let them mark their bulbs with colours, stickers or labels. This way, they’ll remember where they planted them and can keep track of the growing process. You can even add a touch of friendly competition – who will spot the first green shoots? That way, planting becomes not only educational, but also a great adventure.
Step by step: planting bulbs with children
Planting bulbs is simple – especially when you take it one step at a time. Follow this easy step-by-step guide:
- Dig a small hole of the right depth (usually two to three times the height of the bulb).
- Let the children carefully place the bulb in the hole with the point facing upwards.
- Fill the hole with soil and press down gently.
- Don’t forget to water well – children often find this the best part!
By going through each step together, they naturally learn about growth, care and the magic of gardening.
Safety and fun go hand in hand
It’s important to keep gardening safe for children. Use child-friendly tools such as small trowels and gloves, and explain how to handle the bulbs carefully. You could even make up a little story – for example, that the bulbs are “sleeping underground” until spring arrives. This adds a touch of imagination to the learning experience and keeps children engaged from start to finish.
From bulb to colourful spring
The beauty of planting bulbs together is that children can witness the entire process up close. They’ll see how a tiny bulb transforms into a stunning flower, helping them understand the wonders of nature. This experience not only stimulates curiosity and patience, but also builds a sense of pride and responsibility. And for you as a parent, it’s pure joy to watch enthusiasm and nature come together in the garden.
Creative ideas for bulb planting
Want to turn planting into a real celebration? Play with patterns and colours! Plant the bulbs in shapes such as hearts, stars or even your children’s initials, and mix colours for a cheerful, eye-catching effect. Also, pay attention to flowering times: plant early bloomers such as snowdrops and crocuses for an initial burst of spring, then add later bloomers like tulips or daffodils for longer-lasting colour.
Create a true “bulb lasagne” – with layers that flower one after another! Your children will enjoy watching their creation come to life week after week as the garden slowly transforms.
A sustainable and educational activity
Planting bulbs with children isn’t just fun – it’s also a great way to teach them about the seasons and sustainability. They’ll discover that flowers need time and care, and that small efforts can lead to wonderful results. This awareness can spark a lifelong love for gardening and the natural world. And it’s incredibly rewarding to create something together that keeps growing and blooming, year after year.
Start your own bulb paradise today!
Don’t wait any longer – turn bulb planting into a joyful autumn activity with your little ones. Visit our garden centre in Newent and let the children pick their favourite spring bulbs and pots. Together, you’ll create a garden full of colour, fun and beautiful memories. A blooming spring begins with one small bulb planted in fall!