It doesn’t matter if you’ve got acreage in Brisbane, a suburban backyard in Penrith or a high-rise balcony in Melbourne, gardening is a fantastic way to help kids learn, grow, and connect with nature.
From planting flowers to watering veggies, buying your child a kids’ gardening set is a brilliant thing to do. Not only does it encourage them to be responsible, creative, and learn to love the environment more, but it also can make their outdoor time even more fun and rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best kids’ gardening sets available in Australia, whether that be online or in retail stores.
All these options are safe, engaging, and designed to pique the interest of your little green thumb as soon as you give it to them.
Why Gardening is Great for Kids
Gardening is a brilliant way for kids to get outside, get their hands dirty, and learn valuable life lessons at the same time. For a start, it encourages them to explore the natural world, sparks their curiosity about how plants grow, discover what bugs live in the soil, and learn about how seasons change.
Additionally, it’s a great way to build their levels of patience and responsibility, because, after all, seeds don’t sprout overnight. Gardening also makes your child more physically active and helps develop their motor skills through digging, planting, and watering.
On top of that, it is a calming, screen-free hobby that can help reduce their stress levels, improve their mood, and is good for their mental health.
Moreover, if they successfully grow herbs in a pot or veggies in the backyard, it gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride, which they will struggle to achieve in other activities.
Top Kids’ Gardening Sets in Australia
There are plenty of gardening sets for children out there, but not all of them are made equally. That is why it is worth taking the time to find the right one for their age and level of interest.
Fortunately, there are some fantastic kids’ gardening kits available right here in Australia, which are designed to suit all ages, budgets, and garden sizes. Each set is uniquely designed to meet different children’s needs, but all encourage them to enjoy hands-on learning and hours of garden fun.
1. Saxon Kids Garden 3 Piece Set W/ Gloves
One of the most popular options is the Saxon Kids Garden 3 Piece Set W/ Gloves, which is perfect for little beginners.
It’s affordable, easy to use, and, as it includes a trowel, fork, and gloves, it provides them with everything a mini gardener needs to start planting.
You can grab it online or in-store from Bunnings Australia here.
2. My Happy Helpers Wooden Gardening Tools with Bag
For a more stylish and traditional option, the My Happy Helpers Wooden Gardening Tools with Bag is a great pick.
Ideal for children aged 3 and up, it’s beautifully crafted, practical, and features wooden tools and a handy carry bag. Available in a lovely green colour, it is available at My Happy Helpers.
3. CUTE STONE Kids Gardening Tool Set
The CUTE STONE Gardening Tool Set from Amazon Australia is another excellent all-rounder.
With 20 pieces, including a wheelbarrow, watering can, gloves, and apron, it is designed to make gardening fun, educational, and hands-on. Moreover, as each individual element comes in a range of colours, it is very visually appealing to kids.
This one is available at Amazon Australia.
4. Fiskars Kids Garden Tools Essentials Set
Another good option from Bunnings, this one is for kids who are into landscaping.
It comprises a red rake and a green shovel that are perfect for landscaping. The tools are lightweight yet sturdy, durable and easy to use. Moreover, the shovel is even designed for actual digging. So, it provides a very realistic introduction to gardening.
You can buy them here.
5. John Deere Kids Wheelbarrow Gardening Set
This set brings the iconic John Deere brand to your backyard. It includes a child-sized wheelbarrow and essential tools that are perfect for kids who want to emulate adult gardeners.
Currently, retailing at $69.99, it is the most expensive set on this list. You can find it at Toyworld Australia.
Tips for Encouraging Kids in the Garden
Getting kids involved in the garden is all about making the experience fun, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Watching briefs rarely work, so a good way to start is to give them ownership over a small garden bed or even a few pots. That way, they’ll be much more motivated if they feel it’s “theirs.”
Let them choose what to plant, whether it’s colourful flowers, fast-growing herbs, or easy veggies like cherry tomatoes and beans. This gives them a sense of independence and helps build their decision-making skills.
You should try to keep things playful by adding a creative twist. Therefore, encourage them to paint plant markers, decorate pots, or name their plants. Activities like making a worm farm or collecting rainwater in a barrel can even potentially spark their interest in sustainable practices.
It’s also important to be patient because we all know young kids might not always follow instructions perfectly. Remember that the goal is to get them excited about nature, not to grow perfect produce. So, make sure you celebrate every win, whether it’s the first sprout or a flower blooming.
Lastly, try to lead by example. If you’re enthusiastic about being in the garden, your child is likely to follow suit. Gardening with them can become a great bonding activity and a screen-free way to spend quality time outdoors.
With the right encouragement, there is no reason why you can’t nurture both your garden and your child’s curiosity for the long term.
Essential Accessories for Young Gardeners
While a good gardening set is a great start, there are a few extra accessories that can make gardening safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable for kids.
A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and even child-sized sunglasses are a must as they can help keep little ones safe from the sun while they work outside. At the same time, make sure they wear lightweight, breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. After all, gardening can be messy fun!
Kid-friendly gardening gloves are another great addition. They help protect small hands from prickly weeds, rough soil, or any surprise bugs that may be hiding in the garden bed. Likewise, rubber boots or sturdy shoes are also handy, especially if your greenspace tends to get muddy after watering.
To provide them with an extra bit of fun, consider giving kids a mini watering can, a colourful apron with pockets, or a gardening journal where they can record plant growth. Additionally, let them watch episodes of Mr Bloom’s Nursery on CBeebies.
Doing this will not only make gardening easier for them, but it is also likely to make the thought of it a much more interesting proposition.