RESEARCH

Use of Gardening Programs as an Intervention to Increase Children’s Ability to Delay Gratification

This study explored if preschool gardening programs could improve children’s ability to delay gratification, a key skill for later success. Researchers compared kids aged 2-6 in schools with and without gardening, using a modified “Marshmallow Study” to test how long they’d wait for a bigger cookie reward.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Children/Youth

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Mental Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Education

Type of Activity: Edible Plant Gardening, Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

Summary

This study examined whether preschool gardening programs could improve children’s ability to delay gratification, a skill linked to later-life success. Using a quasi-experimental design, researchers compared children aged 2-6 in treatment schools with a gardening curriculum to those in control schools using a traditional curriculum. Participants were individually tested using a modified version of the “Stanford Marshmallow Study,” where they were timed to see how long they could wait for a larger reward (cookies).

The results did not show a significant change in all children’s ability to delay gratification after the gardening program. However, further analysis revealed that girls appeared to respond more positively to the gardening treatment in their ability to delay gratification, while boys in the control group benefited more from traditional school lessons.

Link

McFarland, A., Sommerfeld, A., Waliczek, T. M., & Zajicek, J. (2023). Use of gardening programs as an intervention to increase children’s ability to delay gratification. HortTechnology, 33(1), 131-137.

Other Recommended Research

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

RESEARCH

Use of Gardening Programs as an Intervention to Increase Children’s Ability to Delay Gratification

Summary

Link

Other Recommended Research

Seed to Self – Lessons from a Seed Packet

Blueberry Smoothie Bowls

Floating Floral Arrangement

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise