Intergenerational Gardening: How To Grow Together At Any Age

Intergenerational gardening lets older people and children come together for their mutual benefit. Intergenerational gardening is a great way for children to learn, and offers older adults an important role in mentoring and teaching them, as well as some fun and pleasant company.

Intergenerational activities in the garden involve shared garden projects among two or more generations of people. Most often, it includes seniors with decades of gardening knowledge, and often some experience working with and mentoring children.

These gardens are organized by many different groups. Assisted living centers and senior residences might start a garden and invite children of staff or grandchildren to join for activities. Community centers, community gardens, and local garden clubs are increasingly hosting intergenerational activities.

Sometimes, older adults initiate local groups specifically to share their expertise with younger members of the community. They might bring their skills to schools or begin a community garden.

The basic goal of an intergenerational garden is for older adults to teach young people gardening skills, but there are many more benefits. These extend to both the children and the older population.

An obvious benefit for children gardening with older adults is that they learn valuable skills. Kids can benefit from the decades of experience of older adults who have spent a lifetime growing plants. Other benefits for children include:

Intergenerational activities like gardening give seniors a chance to pass on their experience, knowledge, and skills to a younger generation. They also get many benefits from working with kids in the garden, including:

The benefits of gardening for all ages are clear, but where to begin?