Easter is a time for celebration, renewal, and reflection. While many of us have come to associate the holiday with chocolate eggs and candy-filled baskets, this year, why not celebrate Easter in a way that’s as meaningful as it is fun? A Sustainable Easter activity for families is possible. And, not can be as simple as turning your Easter egg hunt into a family garden adventure. Not only does this activity allow your family to bond, but it also teaches your children valuable skills like patience, responsibility, and what a sustainable holiday practice looks like.
This article will guide you through how to set up a family garden hunt, plant your very own garden together, and nurture it as the season unfolds. Ready to make this Easter unforgettable? Let’s dig in!
Step 1: Participate in Easter’s Meaning
Easter represents hope, wonder, renewal and growth, and what better way to celebrate than by participating in an activity that embodies these values? Instead of filling countless plastic eggs, why not focus on a garden that will provide both enjoyment and educational value for your family? A family garden is a simple and rewarding way to spend Easter together while teaching your children about sustainability and responsibility. Whether you are religious or not, we all become more “deeply rooted” when we savor the seasons and move with the rhythms of the earth.
A family garden isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about growing life skills, memories and participating in something meaningful. Whether you have a backyard or a small balcony, this activity can be adapted to any space. What better way to celebrate this season of growth than by creating something that will continue to flourish long after the Easter holiday is over?
Step 2: Pre-Planning Your Sustainable Easter Activity
Before you dive into planting, it’s important to set the stage for your garden hunt. Start by evaluating the space you have available. You don’t need a huge yard to create a meaningful garden. If you have a small balcony or even just a few pots, that will work perfectly for a sustainable Easter garden project.
Things to consider:
- Scouting a Location: Is there a sunny spot in your backyard, on your porch, or by a window where you can grow plants? Keep in mind that most plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. For a deeper dive on the best locations and sun exposure for your plants, check out this guide on Choosing the Right Location for Your Garden from Gardening Know How. If you don’t have land of your own, look into community garden plots through townships or even churches.
- Time Commitment: Gardening is an activity that requires patience. However, you can break it into manageable chunks. Will you have time to plant everything in one afternoon, or will you need to spread it out over a couple of days? Remember, the joy is in the journey, not perfection. Also consider the reality of tending the garden. If you only have 5 minutes every other day, go for a planter box instead of a garden plot.
- Size of the Garden: For a first-time garden, start small. You don’t need a massive plot of land—just a few containers or raised beds can hold a surprising amount of beauty.
By taking the time to plan, you’ll be setting your family up for success and making sure that this Easter activity doesn’t overwhelm you.
Step 3: Supplies You’ll Need
To set up your Sustainable Easter activity for families, you’ll need a few basic supplies. While there are plenty of pre-packaged kits out there, I encourage you to consider borrowing tools or purchasing from local businesses. This helps cut down on waste and supports your community. Bonus, not only does it save money but it further drives home the sustainable living lesson. Have you tried your local Buy Nothing Group? That is a great option as well.
Essential Supplies:
- Garden Tools: You’ll need basic tools like a trowel, hand rake, and watering can. If you don’t have these, check with neighbors or local community gardens to borrow them. For an easy beginner’s guide for choosing and utilizing these tools check out this kid’s gardening resource.
- Containers or Raised Beds: If you don’t have garden space, try using pots or containers. They’re great for small spaces and are easy for kids to handle. Here’s a great guide on Building Raised Garden Beds to get you started.
- Soil and Compost: Rich, healthy soil is the foundation of any garden. Be sure to buy soil that’s appropriate for the plants you’ll be growing. Composting is a fantastic way to teach kids about recycling and reducing waste. You can learn more about creating your own compost with this guide on How to Compost at Home from the EPA.
- Seeds or Starter Plants: Choose easy-to-grow plants that will thrive in your area. Good choices for beginners are herbs like basil and mint, or flowers like marigolds. If you want to grow food, consider starting with tomatoes, lettuce, or carrots. If you’re not sure which plants are best for your garden, visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Guide for recommendations based on your location.
- Native Plants and Pollinator Gardens: If you are not looking to grow your own food, you can focus on another cool aspect of creation care and environmental stewardship. Every place has plants that are “native” to that region. Planting these plants has been shown to have great environmental benefits. Check out this cool article to get you started. For a complete guide to sustainable gardening check out this link.
- For a more in depth look at these topics, Seed Money has a great article here.
Consider supporting local nurseries or seed exchanges to ensure you’re making an environmentally friendly choice.
Step 4: Setting Up the Hunt
Now it’s time to set up your Easter garden hunt! This is where the fun happens. Instead of hiding candy-filled eggs, you’ll hide garden-related supplies like seed packets, plant tags, and small tools.
Tips for setting up the hunt:
- Keep it Simple. You can simply substitute the garden tools, seeds and trays for plastic eater eggs. Tuck the garden goodies up in tree branches, underneath a shrub or in the swing set.
- Or, Make it Extra and Create Clues: Make the hunt interactive by giving clues that lead to different supplies. For example, you could hide a trowel under a bush and give a clue like, “Where the flowers bloom, you’ll find what you need to dig.”
- You Can Make It Educational: As your kids find the supplies, take a moment to explain the importance of each item. Talk about how plants grow and what they need to thrive.
Section 5: Letting the Kids “Do the Hunt”
Now it’s time for the kids join the fun! With the garden supplies hidden, let them run free or follow the clues and gather what they need to start the garden. This sustainable Easter activity isn’t just a fun hunt—it’s the first step in a bigger project. By planting and maintain this garden they’ll learn about the joy of planting, where food actually comes from, and quality family time. It’s a unique, hands-on way to engage with nature and create lasting memories. The hunt is just the beginning of this meaningful Easter tradition that will grow with your family throughout the season.
Step 6: Planting the Garden Together
Once the hunt is over and you’ve gathered all the supplies, it’s time for the real fun to begin—planting your garden! This is where your sustainable Easter activity comes to life.
Steps to plant your garden:
- Prepare the Soil: If you’re using containers, fill them with rich, nutrient-dense soil. For raised beds, make sure the soil is well-drained. Check out this guide on How to Prepare Soil for Planting to make sure you’re off to the right start.
- Planting the Seeds: Let your kids help with digging small holes for the seeds. If you’re using starter plants, guide them on how to gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the soil. Pay careful attention to the directions on the packaging. They tell you the depth to plant the seeds and it is as simple as using those directions to successfully get those seeds sprouting.
- Watering: Kids love to water plants! Let them take turns using the watering can to gently water their new garden. Be sure to remind them that plants need regular attention to thrive.
Step 7: Maintaining the Garden
The beauty of a garden is in the growth that happens over time. Maintaining your garden is just as important as planting it. This is where the lesson of patience and responsibility truly takes root.
How to maintain your garden:
- Watering Schedule: Set up a weekly watering routine. Have your kids check in on the plants and make sure they are hydrated. Use this Watering Schedule Chart to help you track.
- Weeding: Teach your kids how to spot weeds and explain how weeding helps plants grow better.
- Observe Growth: Encourage your kids to watch the plants grow and take pictures or draw what they see. This helps them connect to the process and take pride in their work.
Conclusion: A New Easter Tradition
By turning your Easter egg hunt into a Sustainable Easter activity for families, you’re not only celebrating the season in a more meaningful way, but you’re also creating lasting memories that will grow with your family. From the initial hunt to the final harvest, this activity teaches kids about sustainability, responsibility, and the joy of nurturing something from seed to bloom.
So this Easter, switch out some of the plastic eggs and embrace a new tradition that’s as rewarding as it is fun—one that will nurture your family, your garden, and the planet for years to come.
Want to make Easter even more meaningful? Check out my article on explaining Easter to your kids, where I share tips for having faith-filled conversations that matter. Let’s make this Easter a time of connection, growth, and deeper understanding for your family.