Creating A Treehouse Garden | Jung Seed Gardening Blog

Back in the 1980s and the 90s, having a treehouse was a must for many kids who had a sturdy tree in their backyard, as seen in TV shows like “The Wonder Years” or movies like “The Sandlot.” A treehouse was not only a place to play with friends, but it was a spot where kids can dream and hide from the rest of the world. As children found other ways to spend their free time, the treehouse became a thing of the past. But in the midst of the pandemic, having one became trendy once more as treehouses proliferated all over the country.

According to Jeff Galak, an associate professor of marketing at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, people wanted to be close to nature during the health crisis, and treehouses are a part of that pattern. “They are an attempt to do something fun and interesting and away from other people,” Galak added. Apart from building hideaways in trees, adults and children also indulged in other backyard activities, such as gardening, which remains popular to this day. Combining these recreational activities can encourage your child to spend more time outdoors, so why not create a structure where they can garden and play at the same time? Here are some ideas to make the perfect treehouse garden for your child.

Choosing A Tree

Just as companies use commercial landscaping to enhance their business’ curb appeal, building a treehouse in your backyard can also improve your property’s aesthetics by making it look homey and charming. Before building a treehouse though, you need to choose the perfect tree for it. The tree should not be too old nor too young, and it should be healthy and strong enough to support the weight of the treehouse. Trees such as beech, maple, ash, oak, hemlock, sycamore, and elm meet these requirements, so you’re ready to build if you already have one of these in your property.

To ensure safety, build the treehouse near the ground. Ideally, it should be no more than 8 to 10 feet from the ground. Consider putting a few layers of cushion playground mulch at the base of the tree to prevent injuries from falls.

Building The Treehouse Garden

If you have never built a treehouse before, you may need to consult an expert to make sure that it’s safe and built to last. There are lots of designs out there that will certainly make for a fun play space, but you will need to take your time and budget into consideration before starting your project. One way to simplify the whole process is to get a treehouse kit which is available in hardware stores. Some of these kits come with accessories like hammocks, suspension bridges, lights, and other decorative elements, so take your time and make sure to choose the treehouse kit that everyone in your family will enjoy.

If your child is planning to grow plants inside the treehouse, choose a treehouse kit that has a deck. They can use this space for container gardening and plant easy to grow veggies such as microgreens, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, radish, and herbs in it. Maximize the space by using the walls on either side of the deck to install rows of shelves, and place decorative plants with succulents or herbs on each of them. Do not forget to make use of the railings too. You can hang small pots outside of the railings and grow flowers in them. The main deck space can be used for more substantial crops or even dwarf fruit trees. Your child will surely get a kick out of harvesting fruits and vegetables while they are in the treehouse.

If a kit with a built-in deck is not available or if it is out of the budget, do not fret. There are other ways to garden inside the treehouse that would not require extra floorspace. Think about decorating the interior with some hanging plants, or place potted flowering plants in places where they will get some sun.

Decorate With Repurposed Planters

To add some whimsical flair to your treehouse garden, use repurposed planters to decorate and place them in and around the treehouse garden grounds. For instance, you can turn an old wheelbarrow into a planter for colorful pansies, begonias, and marigolds. Place the wheelbarrow just below the treehouse so your child and their friends can see it. Consider using an old birdcage as a planter too and hang it up somewhere in the treehouse. As a finishing touch, get some toy trucks, fill the backs with some soil, and use these as planters for morning glories or lavender. Place these toy trucks in corners that need a little life and color.

A treehouse garden can help you relive your childhood, and it also opens up a brand new world of adventure for your little one. Consider these tips to build one in your backyard, and look forward to spending more time outdoors with your child!

Choosing A Tree

Building The Treehouse Garden

Decorate With Repurposed Planters

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