How to Create a Sensory Garden for Your Toddler

Creating a sensory garden with your toddler can be an enriching experience. Not only is it a great way to create something enjoyable for both of you, but these gardens have been shown to provide numerous educational benefits for young children. A sensory garden encourages toddlers to explore the world through their five senses, sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing.

Through activities such as planting, exploring plants via textural differences and smelling herbs and flowers, or listening to bird calls, your child will gain valuable knowledge that they'll be able to use throughout life.

Additionally, this project provides many opportunities to teach toddlers how nature works while organically fostering emotional growth! Don't worry if you aren't sure where to start; we'll teach you all the tips and tricks needed so that creating a gorgeous sensory garden with your toddler is easy and fun!

Have a Budget in Mind

Any home improvement project can quickly go awry if you don't have a budget. So make sure you know how much money you plan to spend and stick to it! Don't buy expensive items that your toddler won't be able to enjoy right away; opt for plants and materials that are safe, affordable, and easy to maintain.

If you are short on money, you can also look for free or thrifted items to use in your garden.

A personal loan is also an option if you want to invest in your project. SoFi's personal loans options come with low fixed rates and unemployment protection, so you can be sure you get the most for your money. The amount you can borrow depends on your credit score and income, so read the terms and conditions carefully before deciding.

Choose a Spot for Your Garden

The next step is to choose a spot for your garden — this should be an area with plenty of sunlight and access to water. You may also want to consider if you want it to be near a specific area in your houses, such as the patio or living room. This could help to make it more accessible for your toddler when they want to explore.

If you're limited in space, you can create a container garden instead. This is where you grow plants in pots or other containers. It's an easy way to get started as it requires much less space than traditional gardening and allows for more flexibility with placement.

Pick Out Plants that are Safe for Your Toddler

It's crucial to choose plants that are safe for your toddler. Plants such as violets, pansies, and foxgloves can be toxic for toddlers if ingested, so avoid these plants. Instead, opt for herbs, flowers, and vegetables that are non-toxic.

Try to look for plants that have different textures and colors. This will help to create an exciting and stimulating environment for your toddler to explore.

Get Your Toddler Involved in the Process

Now that you've chosen a spot and researched which plants are safe, it's time to involve your toddler! You can start by letting them pick out some of the plants they like the most. This will help to make the garden more personal and interesting for them.

Once you've picked out the plants, let your toddler help with planting — this is a great way to teach them the basics of gardening! You can also create DIY decorations such as bird feeders or wind chimes together; these will add some extra fun and interest to your garden.

Leave Enough Space for Movement

Kids often like to run around and explore, so it's important to leave enough space for them to do just that! Make sure there is room for your toddler to move around freely without running into plants or other obstacles. This will make the garden more enjoyable and safer for them.

Sitting space is also essential, so consider adding a small bench or outdoor chairs for you and your toddler to relax. Logs and benches are also great for creating a comfortable outdoor environment that your toddler can explore. The key is to ensure that it's manageable and that there are plenty of options for movement.

Creating a sensory garden with your toddler can be a great and fun way to spend time together. It's also an excellent opportunity for them to learn about nature and plants in an organic manner. With some planning, you can create the perfect space for your family to enjoy!