150 – Gardening with Kids and Reaping the Benefits – Em Shipman

Gardening is not just for adults. In fact, getting kids involved in gardening can have a multitude of benefits for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.Gardening has the power to transform children's lives and instill in them a love for the outdoor world and healthy living. It provides opportunities for learning, growth, and community engagement.To understand the importance of this, we have the opportunity to chat with Em Shipman, the Executive Director of Kids Gardening .In this conversation, Em shares her insights on why it is important to get kids involved in gardening, the benefits of gardening for kids, and the challenges facing educators, parents, and caregivers.Her vision is grounded in the principles that children are on their way to realizing their full potential when they have access to healthy food, hands-on outdoor play, and learning opportunities.Em has also worked as a professional gardener and garden designer. She spends all of her free time (and then some) digging in the dirt.Em resides in an old school house in Vermont with her two boys and wonderful garden soil. Time Line00:04 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast00:42 The Importance of Gardening for Kids01:08 Interview with Em Shipman, Executive Director of Kids Gardening02:14 The Benefits of Gardening for Kids06:22 Challenges in Implementing Gardening for Kids09:15 How to Get Involved in Kids Gardening11:06 Educational Resources for Gardening with Kids12:32 Gardening Activities for Kids17:40 Community Involvement in Gardening19:06 Kids Gardening Month20:24 Gardening Tips and Lessons Learned31:21 Conclusion: The Joy of Gardening with Kids