Homeschooling in the Garden: Hands-On Learning with Herb Kits & Outdoor Education Resources
Bringing Nature, Curiosity, and Creation to Life
In today’s digital age, it’s easy for our children’s learning to get stuck behind screens and worksheets. But some of the most powerful lessons happen not at the desk—but with hands in the dirt, eyes wide with wonder, and hearts open to the rhythms of God’s creation. That’s why incorporating herb kits and outdoor learning into your homeschool routine is more than just a science lesson—it’s a gift.
Why Nature-Based Homeschooling Matters
Learning outdoors awakens all the senses. It teaches patience, responsibility, and the deep connection we have to the earth God gave us to steward. Whether you live on a homestead or in a suburban backyard, you can bring natural learning to life—starting with something simple and beautiful: an herb garden.
Start with Herb Kits for Kids
Herb kits are an amazing gateway into hands-on learning. They’re small, manageable, and incredibly rewarding—perfect for curious homeschoolers of all ages. Many kits come with child-friendly instructions, labeled seed packets, biodegradable pots, and even printable worksheets or observation journals.
Skills Kids Learn:
Botany Basics: Germination, growth cycles, photosynthesis
Responsibility: Daily watering, charting plant progress
Culinary Confidence: Harvesting and tasting herbs like basil, mint, oregano, or chamomile
Holistic Healing: Understanding how herbs can be used in teas, salves, or natural remedies
Biblical Connection: Many herbs are referenced in the Bible—like hyssop, frankincense, and myrrh—offering beautiful tie-ins to your faith-based curriculum
Tip: Make it seasonal! In early fall, start with hardy herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme, which love cooler temps and make great additions to autumn meals.
Outdoor Education Resources for Homeschool Families
You don’t need to be an herbalist or master gardener to start—there are incredible online tools to guide you:
1. Kidsgardening.org
Offers free activities, lesson plans, and grant opportunities to get your children’s hands in the soil.
2. Wild + Free
A Christ-centered homeschooling community focused on outdoor learning, nature journaling, and connection.
3. The Herbal Academy
Includes intro-level resources and a family-friendly “Herbarium” where kids can explore herbs, their uses, and printable plant ID sheets.
4. Roots & Shoots by Jane Goodall
Encourages outdoor adventures, gardening, and conservation with hands-on projects tailored for kids.
Outdoor Adventures = Real Learning
Pair your herb garden with nature walks, foraging activities, or outdoor journaling. Collect leaves, identify plants, sketch findings, or create an “Herb of the Week” chart. Let children learn by doing—watching a tiny seed become something they can use to flavor dinner or calm an upset tummy builds confidence and reverence for life.
Even if space is limited, container gardens, window herb boxes, or even a few pots on a patio can create magic.
Rooted in Faith & Creation
God created the earth not just to sustain us—but to teach us. When we invite our children to study nature, we’re not only building academic skills—we're nurturing their awe, gratitude, and connection to the One who made it all.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” – Psalm 19:1
Final Thoughts
If your homeschool needs a refresh this fall, let the garden be your classroom. Start small, go slow, and watch as your children bloom alongside the herbs they plant. With simple herb kits and enriching outdoor learning resources, you’ll cultivate not just knowledge—but joy, connection, and wonder.
"Download your free copy of Leaf It to Science: Plant Observation Sheet—the perfect hands-on resource for your homeschool learner!" Click here!