top of page
Early Bloomers Kids Academy
Welcome to Early Bloomers Kids Academy — your home for kid-friendly gardening activities, warm-climate planting guides, classroom garden lessons, and hands-on nature learning for families and teachers.
Search


Seasonal Recipes from a January Garden in Houston
Fresh, Cozy, and Kid-Friendly January in Houston may feel quiet in the garden, but it’s actually one of the most rewarding growing seasons. Cool temperatures allow leafy greens, root vegetables, and hardy herbs to thrive — making this the perfect time to bring the garden straight to the table. These simple, seasonal recipes use what grows best in a Houston winter garden, require minimal prep, and are family-friendly enough for busy weeknights or classroom connections. 🌿 What

Kim Woodford
Jan 162 min read


🌱 What to Plant in December & January in Houston
A Winter Gardening Guide for Families & Beginners Winter gardening in Houston is not only possible—it’s one of the best times to grow food. Thanks to our mild winters and long growing season, December and January are perfect months for cool-season vegetables that thrive in lower temperatures. Whether you’re gardening with kids, starting fresh, or keeping your beds productive year-round, here’s exactly what to plant—and why winter gardening works so well in Houston. 🌤 Why Win

Kim Woodford
Dec 20, 20252 min read


Top 10 Gardening Gifts for the Gardener in Your Life
Looking for the perfect gift for the gardener in your life? Whether they’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting started, gardening gifts are thoughtful, practical, and long-lasting. The best part? Many gardening gifts keep giving long after the holidays are over. Here are 10 gardening gift ideas that are useful, meaningful, and loved by gardeners of all ages and experience levels. 🌱 1. Indoor Herb Garden Kit An indoor herb garden is perfect for year-round growing, especia

Kim Woodford
Dec 18, 20252 min read


Easy Garden Activities for Kids (Using Items You Already Own)
You don’t need a big backyard, fancy tools, or perfect weather to start gardening with kids. In fact, some of the best early gardening experiences happen right at home using everyday items you already have. Gardening helps children build patience, responsibility, curiosity, and confidence—all while connecting them to nature. Here are a few simple, low-stress ways to get started together. 🌱 1. Seed Sprouting in the Kitchen All you need: Paper towels A plastic bag or container

Kim Woodford
Dec 17, 20252 min read


3 Easy Learning Activities Using Items You Already Have at Home
You don’t need special supplies or a big plan to support learning at home. Some of the best learning happens with simple, everyday items you already own. Here are three easy, low-prep activities that support reading, writing, science, and curiosity—perfect for busy families and teachers. 🪴 1. Observation Walk (Indoors or Outdoors) What you need: ✔ A notebook or paper ✔ A pencil ✔ Your eyes What to do: Take a short walk outside, in the yard, or even around the house. Ask chil

Kim Woodford
Dec 15, 20251 min read


🌱 Houston Seasonal Planting Guide
(What to Plant & When – Zone 8b/9a) Houston’s long growing season makes it possible to garden almost year-round. Knowing what to plant each season helps families, teachers, and beginners grow confidently — even in our heat and humidity. 🌸 SPRING (January – April) Spring is for cool-season vegetables first, then warm-season favorites once frost danger passes (around early March). 🌿 What to Plant January–February (Cool Season) Lettuce Spinach Radishes Carrots Beets Kale Swiss

Kim Woodford
Dec 14, 20252 min read


🌱 Why Gardening Is One of the Best Learning Tools for Children
Gardening is more than planting seeds—it’s a powerful, hands-on learning experience that helps children grow academically, emotionally, and socially. A garden becomes a living classroom, offering real-world lessons in science, literacy, responsibility, and patience. Whether you’re gardening in a backyard, balcony, windowsill, or community space, gardening invites children to slow down, observe, and connect with the natural world. 🌼 Gardening Builds Responsibility and Patienc

Kim Woodford
Dec 13, 20252 min read


🌱 Welcome to Early Bloomers Kids Academy
Growing Curious Minds Through Nature, Learning, and Family Connection Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Early Bloomers Kids Academy is a place where curiosity is nurtured, hands get a little dirty, and learning grows naturally—just like a garden. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or homeschool family, this space was created to support children from early childhood through young adulthood with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences rooted in nature, gardening, sc

Kim Woodford
Dec 13, 20252 min read


Easy Garden Activities for Kids Using Items You Already Own
You don’t need fancy supplies or a perfect garden to help kids learn and grow outdoors. Some of the best garden activities use everyday items you already have at home—and they’re just as engaging, educational, and fun. These simple activities encourage curiosity, responsibility, observation, and hands-on learning, whether you have a backyard, patio, or small outdoor space. 🌱 1. Seed Sorting & Counting (Kitchen Edition) What you need: Dry beans, lentils, rice, or seeds Small

Kim Woodford
Dec 13, 20252 min read


The Best Nature Journals for Kids Who Love to Explore
Nature journaling helps children slow down, observe, and connect with the world around them. Whether your child loves drawing, writing, or collecting data, there’s a journal perfect for them. 🦋 1. Blank Nature Sketch Journal Perfect for young artists and explorers. 👉 Amazon link 🦋 2. Guided Nature Journal for Kids Includes prompts, observation questions, and drawing spaces. 👉 Amazon link 🦋 3. Waterproof Outdoor Journal Great for camping, hiking, and outdoor adventures. �

Kim Woodford
Dec 11, 20251 min read


Best Gardening Tools for Kids (Safe, Durable & Fun!)
Gardening with children is one of the easiest ways to spark curiosity, responsibility, and a love for nature. The right tools make all the difference—especially tools designed for little hands . As a teacher and former zookeeper, I’ve tested many kid-friendly gardening tools both at home and in school garden programs. These are my favorite picks that are safe, durable, and actually fun for kids to use. 🌼 1. Kid-Sized Gardening Tool Set Perfect for beginners, these sets usual

Kim Woodford
Dec 11, 20251 min read


The Benefits of Gardening for Young Minds
Gardening is often seen as a leisurely activity reserved for adults, but it holds incredible potential for young minds. Engaging children in gardening can foster a variety of skills and benefits that extend far beyond the garden itself. From enhancing cognitive abilities to promoting emotional well-being, the advantages of gardening for children are profound and multifaceted. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of gardening for young minds, providing prac

Kim Woodford
Dec 9, 20255 min read


Fun Gardening Activities for Children to Enjoy
Gardening is not just a hobby for adults; it can be a delightful and educational experience for children as well. Engaging kids in gardening activities helps them connect with nature, learn about plants, and develop a sense of responsibility. In this blog post, we will explore various fun gardening activities that children can enjoy, making the experience both enjoyable and educational. A vibrant garden bed showcasing a variety of colorful flowers. Why Gardening is Beneficial

Kim Woodford
Dec 9, 20254 min read


Essential Gardening Tips for Kids' Education
Gardening is more than just a hobby; it’s a fantastic way to engage children in learning about nature, responsibility, and the environment. By introducing kids to gardening, you can foster a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the world around them. This blog post will explore essential gardening tips that can enhance kids' education, making it both fun and informative. A vibrant vegetable garden showcasing a variety of plants. The Benefits of Gardening for Kids Gardening

Kim Woodford
Dec 9, 20254 min read
bottom of page



