Children's gardening safety advice

Children's Gardening Resources - Safety Tips and Advice

Gardening is a wonderful, healthy activity which children love. The garden however can present some dangers for children but

Safety in the Garden Young Gardener's 1st Garden Children's Gardening Calendar Gardening & the National Curriculum

Never leave children unsupervised in the garden, especially near water.

One of the joys of gardening is eating home grown fruit and vegetables. Adults should instruct children NEVER to eat any plants, bulbs, fungi, leaves, berries or flowers from the garden without permission from an adult.

Make sure children know good plants from bad ones and ideally remove any that are poisonous from the garden. If you are unsure take a cutting to a garden centre and they will be able to give you advice. Point out plants which can sting or prick such as rose bushes, holly, cacti etc.

Teach children about bees, wasps and other stinging and biting insects. Children should be made aware of where these insects live and that they should not be touched or swatted at.

In sunny weather ensure children wear a hat and sunscreen. Make sure that the child drinks plenty of water whilst working in the garden to avoid dehydration.

Soil can carry microbes and germs that can make people sick. Do not allow children to put soil in their mouths and teach them how to wash their hands correctly and thoroughly after gardening activities.

Children should wear sturdy footwear and gardening gloves to protect against cuts, soil, insect bites and skin irritants whilst undertaking gardening activities.

Before allowing children to work in the garden clear up any cat or dog mess and make sure that their patch does not have any sharp rocks, broken glass, brambles etc.

Always give children gardening tools which have been specially designed for children like Young Gardener children's gardening tools. Show children the correct way to use the gardening tools and how to look after the tools. Emphasise that the tools are not toys and should be treated with respect.

Do not use lawn mowers or power tools near children.

Do not use chemical such as pesticides with children around and never store chemicals in food/drink containers. Always ensure that the safety advice is visible.