Are you looking for a DIY project that is easy to do with your children, that you can put together in your garden and that requires a minimum of equipment? If so, we have an idea for you!

You don’t need to have a green thumb or special expertise for this project. Just have fun and watch your little project grow together. In addition, this activity presents the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful spring weather!

This tent is the perfect solution for parents who are looking for a fun and engaging activity for their children. Not only can the kids help make the tent, but you can also teach them how to take care of the plants to make it grow. After the growing season, children can take advantage of their hiding place to relax in the middle of the greenery!

Step 1 : Gather your materials  

Here is what you will need to create your bean tent:

  • Posts and / or long branches;
  • Twine or rope;
  • Good quality potting soil or garden soil;
  • Bean seeds or other climbing plants;
  • Cardboard (optional, but it helps prevent the grass from growing back).

Step 2 : Prepare the ground

When you have decided on the size of your tent, draw a circle on the ground for the base. Dig a shallow circular ditch, leaving a bit of lawn where the entrance will be.

You can now choose to cover your ditch with recycled cardboard to avoid the regrowth of grass. Then add a good layer of potting or garden soil.

Step 3 : Build the structure and plant the seeds!

The structure is taking shape! Start by planting 4 branches or poles in the soil of your circular ditch, at an equal distance from each other. Have them join at the top to form the tip of your tent. Connect them with twine or rope. Then add other branches or posts to fill the space between your 4 main branches/posts. Remember to always leave a space for the entrance of the tent. Weave it all together passing here and there with twine or rope.

All that is left to do is plant the beans or climbing seeds along your ditch, following the instructions (on depth and interval distances) on the package. Watch the green walls of your tent grow!

Diary

In today’s diary, the children can document the day’s activity. For example, by drawing the whole family participating together, or by making a plan for the tent!

If you want to dream big, they can even draw a plan by imagining a whole magical world living in the backyard! The possibilities are endless!

If your child is documenting alone, you are invited to ask him or her questions to feed and improve the journal entry. Here are some questions you can ask:

  • Do you think that we could create other living structures in the yard, which would serve as shelter and produce food at the same time?
  • Do you think birds or other animals will be attracted to your living tent?
  • What other plants could we grow to decorate the yard even more?

Did you know… 

  • … dried beans part of the traditional diet of many people all around the world? Canada produces many varieties: in 2004 it became the third largest exporter of dry beans in the world!
  • … Building cabins is a magical experience that plays a big role in the development of creativity in children? Learn more here! 
  • … Spending time outside is essential for the child’s good development, both psychologically and physically. Here is an article which explains how children’s development benefits from contact with nature.

If you want to takes things further, it’s possible to create a whole magical world living in your backyard!

And if you live in an apartment building, you can still create a magical world living on your balcony! It is possible to make a vegetable garden in a Rubbermaid storage bin and have a veritable mini-garden on your balcony!

Here are project ideas to make magnificent up-cycled flower pots ! You can even grow carrots in rubber boots or peas in shoes!

 

Activity by M. Coco.