As a parent, you want to do all you can to create a safe and comfortable home for your kids. This doesn't just include the inside of your house—the exterior of your property is also worth investing in. This is especially true if you live in a warm climate, like California where you can get into family gardening each summer. By sprucing up your garden, you can make it a great space for kids and adults alike to enjoy. This family gardening guide provides some quick tips to help you transform your garden into a family-friendly oasis.

Article by Sarah Velasquez of ourperfectabode.com

Family Gardening Tip 1) Prioritize safety with the right landscaping

A family-friendly garden starts with the right landscaping. If your lawn is prone to erosion, it will be difficult for plants and trees to thrive, as they'll constantly be losing soil coverage. Further, eroding hillsides can be a safety hazard for kids and pets. A company like Dirt Locker® of Santa Clarita can create an erosion-resistant landscape by installing leveled terraces. Your garden will look better and your family will be safer as a result.

Family Gardening Tip 2) Invest in a fence to keep kids and pets secure

When kids and pets are playing outside, you want to ensure they stay on your property. A sturdy fence provides privacy and keeps little ones close, while also keeping unwanted intruders out. Find local fence companies in your area online to get quotes for fence repair. If you're stressed about costs, ask about deals or credits available for fencing projects. You can also evaluate companies according to customer reviews.

Family Gardening Tip 3) Create a vegetable garden for family-friendly fun

Spending time outside encourages kids to exercise and lets them soak up vitamin D from the sun. Encourage little ones to spend more time outside by giving them activities to do. Planting a vegetable garden is one easy option. The Every Mom has a guide to planting a kid-friendly veggie garden and includes a list of what you'll need, like a raised bed, containers, and grow bags. A vegetable garden is also a great way to teach kids lessons about topics like photosynthesis and food sourcing.

Family Gardening Tip 4) Opt for eco-friendly and family-safe lawn care

If you plant a vegetable garden, you might also consider creating your own compost. You can use compost as an all-natural fertilizer, eliminating the need for chemical products. In general, try to minimize the use of chemical-laden pesticides and fertilizers in your lawn care, as these can be harmful to kids and pets. This Old House offers tips for treating your garden organically, for example with the use of corn gluten meal to prevent weeds.

Family Gardening Tip 5) Add hardscaping to create a multi-purpose garden

As your beautiful garden takes shape, you'll want to spend more time in it. Adding hardscaping will offer additional options for maximizing the space. Plus, hardscaping like terraces and walkways can actually increase home value. If you install a terrace, you can use it for everything from al fresco dining to barbecuing. Kids can also use hard surfaces to play games like hopscotch or basketball.

Family Gardening Tip 6) Plant safe and family-appropriate flowers and foliage

Bright flowers and lush greenery will help make your garden more aesthetically pleasing, finalizing the transformation process. Take care when selecting plants for your lawn. Certain flowers and bushes may be toxic to pets or kids. For example, poinsettia flowers are poisonous and can cause issues like nausea and vomiting. Before buying any plants, check online or consult a lawn care expert to ensure safety.

Transforming your garden into a family-friendly space doesn't have to be a costly endeavor. Many of the steps above are quick and affordable to complete. Follow these tips and you'll soon have a lush oasis for your little ones to play in.

Want to learn more about creating family-friendly green spaces that kids and adults alike will love? Check out the blog.