Winter Gardening with Kids in Zone 7b: January & February Fun

1. Start Seeds Indoors

January and February are prime months to start cool-season crops indoors for those of us in Virginia’s growing zone 7b. Plants like broccoli, lettuce, kale, and early tomatoes thrive when they get an early start inside. This is a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about the life cycle of plants while creating something tangible to nurture and grow.

How to Involve the Kids in Winter Gardening 7b:

• Seed Planting: Let kids fill seed trays with soil and place seeds in the right spots. Pro tip: Use popsicle sticks to label what they planted!
• Watering: A small spray bottle is perfect for little ones to gently water seeds without overdoing it.
• Watch Them Grow: Track progress in a garden journal with drawings or notes. Watching sprouts emerge is magical for kids.

What You’ll Need

• Clear plastic containers with lids or tops (milk jugs, juice bottles, clamshell takeout boxes, etc.)
• Potting soil (avoid garden soil, which may compact too much)
• Duct tape or packing tape
• A sharp knife or scissors
• Seeds (look for hardy annuals, perennials, or cold-tolerant vegetables like lettuce, kale, and spinach)
• A permanent marker for labeling

2. Build a Bird-Friendly Backyard

Winter in zone 7b can be tough for birds, and your family can make a big difference by creating a bird-friendly space in your yard. It’s a great way to teach kids about wildlife conservation and the interconnectedness of nature.

Activities to Try:

• DIY Bird Feeders: Create simple feeders with pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed, or recycle an old milk carton into a feeder.
• Bird Watching: Grab binoculars or a camera and identify visiting birds together. Keep a tally of different species!
• Plant Native Shrubs: February is still a good time to plant hardy native shrubs like winterberry or sumac, which provide food and shelter for birds.

3. Prune and Tidy the Garden

January and February in Virginia’s growing zone 7b are perfect months to prune dormant trees and shrubs. Cleaning up your garden while it’s still quiet prepares it for a healthier growing season.

 “Remove matted leaves and any other debris that might harbor overwintering pests in your flower beds.” advises PIedmont Master Gardeners.

How to Involve the Kids:

• Safe Pruning: Teach older kids how to prune small branches with safety scissors or clippers.
• Garden Treasure Hunt: Little ones can help gather twigs, leaves, and other garden debris while searching for hidden treasures like seed pods or cool-shaped rocks.

4. Plan Your 7b Spring Garden Together

Winter is the ultimate planning season for gardeners. Kids love being part of the decision-making process, and this is a perfect time to dream big about your spring and summer garden.

Activities to Try:

• Garden Wish List: Sit down with seed catalogs or online resources and let kids pick their favorite vegetables, flowers, or fruits that will thrive in zone 7b. Sunflowers, pumpkins, and cherry tomatoes are always hits!
• Design a Map: Draw a garden layout together, deciding where everything will grow. This is a great opportunity to teach about companion planting.
• Color-Coded Calendars: Create a planting schedule with colorful stickers or markers to keep track of what to plant and when.

5. Experiment with Zone 7b Winter-Sowing

Winter-sowing is a simple, low-maintenance way to start seeds outdoors during the colder months. All you need are plastic containers (like milk jugs), potting soil, and seeds.

How to Involve the Kids:

• Decorate Containers: Let your kids paint or decorate the containers before filling them with soil and seeds.
• Observation Station: Place the containers in the yard or on a porch and have kids check on them weekly to see how seeds sprout despite the cold.

6. Learn About Frost and Ice in Growing Zone 7b

Winter weather in Virginia Zone 7b is a fascinating science lesson waiting to happen. Take the opportunity to teach kids about frost, ice, and how plants survive during the cold months.

Fun Winter Garden Experiments for Kids:

• Frost Art: On a frosty morning, show your kids how frost forms on leaves, grass, and even garden tools. Snap photos or let them sketch the patterns.
• Frozen Bubbles: Blow bubbles on freezing days and watch them crystallize—a magical way to explore the science of winter.
• Cold-Tolerant Plants: Explore hardy plants like kale or ornamental cabbages that thrive in frosty conditions.

frost covered plant

7. Start a Compost Bin or Refresh an Old One

Composting is a year-round activity that kids can help with even in winter. If you don’t already have a compost bin, January is a great time to start.

How to Involve the Kids:

• Collect Kitchen Scraps: Let kids be in charge of a countertop compost bucket, adding things like fruit peels and veggie scraps.
• Turn the Compost: Kids love getting their hands (or a small shovel) into the compost pile to mix it up.

8. Forage for Nature Crafts

Use the downtime in the winter garden to explore and collect natural materials for crafts. This is a fun way to connect with nature and create seasonal decorations.

What to Collect:

• Twigs and branches for wreaths.
• Pinecones for DIY bird feeders or decorative displays.
• Interesting rocks and acorns for garden markers or painting projects.

Tips for Winter Gardening with Kids in Zone 7b

1. Dress for the Weather: Bundle up! Layers are essential for staying warm while spending time outside.
2. Keep Sessions Short: Attention spans can wane quickly in the cold, so keep outdoor activities brief and fun.
3. Incorporate Snacks: Bring hot cocoa or cookies to make winter gardening even cozier.

Final Thoughts

Winter gardening in Zone 7b is all about creativity, preparation, and connecting with the natural world. By involving your kids in these January and February activities, you’ll foster a love for gardening while making memories that last a lifetime.

So grab your gloves, a few packets of seeds, and your imagination—it’s time to have some winter fun in the garden!