Easy Plants for Kids to Grow With You in Your Garden This Year

Gardening can be a fantastic way to spend time with kids while teaching them about nature and responsibility. By choosing easy-to-grow plants, you can spark their interest and excitement in gardening. Kids love watching plants thrive and grow, which can be both fun and rewarding for everyone involved.

From colorful flowers to tasty vegetables, there are plenty of options that are perfect for young gardeners. Enjoy the process together as you dig in the dirt and learn about how plants develop from seeds to harvest. This time spent outside can create lasting memories for you and your children.

Snap Peas

Snap peas are a great choice for kids to grow in the garden. They’re easy to plant and even easier to snack on when harvested fresh.

You can start planting them early in the spring when the soil is cool. They thrive with just a bit of sunlight and regular watering.

Kids will love watching the peas grow and can help with picking them when they’re ready. Plus, snap peas are delicious raw, making them a fun treat right from the garden.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a fantastic choice for kids to grow. They are easy to plant and look stunning as they bloom. Just find a sunny spot in your garden.

Start by filling a pot with organic soil, making a hole, and dropping in the seed. Water them regularly, and watch them grow tall and bright.

Kids will love seeing the flowers turn to follow the sun. Plus, these plants can attract beneficial insects like bees, making the garden lively!

Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are a fantastic choice for kids in the garden. They’re small, colorful, and super sweet, making them fun to grow and eat.

To start, you can use seeds or small plants. If you choose seeds, plant them in good soil and ensure they get enough sunlight. Aim for at least six hours of direct sun each day for the best flavor.

Watch them grow, and soon you’ll have a crop of juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s exciting for kids to pick their own tasty treats right from the vine!

Radishes

Radishes are a fantastic choice for kids to grow. They sprout quickly, often within just a few days, making the wait exciting. Plus, they usually mature in about three to four weeks.

To get started, plant the seeds in a sunny spot with good soil. Make sure they get at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Kids will enjoy watching their radishes grow, and they’ll love the tasty crunch when it’s time to harvest!

Lettuce

Lettuce is a fantastic plant for kids to grow. It’s quick to sprout and can thrive in small spaces like a window sill. You can teach them to care for it by watering and harvesting.

There are many varieties, such as leaf lettuce and romaine. These are not only easy to grow, but they also provide fresh salads. Plus, kids typically enjoy the crisp leaves in their meals.

Plant lettuce after the last frost for the best results. With a little care, you can have a fun gardening experience together while growing tasty greens!

Beans

Growing beans is a fantastic choice for kids. They’re easy to plant and handle, making them perfect for little hands.

Beans germinate quickly, often sprouting within a week. This fast growth keeps kids engaged as they watch their plants develop.

You can opt for bush beans or pole beans. Bush beans grow low to the ground, while pole beans will need something to climb on, like a trellis or string.

This variety adds fun to the experience as kids learn about support crops. With a little care, you’ll have a bountiful harvest to enjoy together!

Potatoes

Growing potatoes is a fun and easy project for kids. All you need are sprouted potatoes, some soil, a container, sunlight, and water.

Make sure the soil is loose and drains well. Kids can help plant the potatoes and watch them grow.

Potatoes are tough plants that don’t require a lot of fuss. They often thrive just by being given the basics!

Pumpkins

Growing pumpkins can be a fun experience for you and your kids. These plants are easy to manage and produce flowers and fruit quickly after planting.

You’ll need rich soil, ideally mixed with well-rotted manure, to help them thrive.

Pumpkin plants love full sun and require a lot of space. A single vine can stretch up to 20 feet, so give them plenty of room to grow.

Planting in late spring or early summer will ensure a fall harvest. Enjoy watching your pumpkins develop as the season goes on!

Carrots

Growing carrots can be a fun and rewarding experience for kids. They are easy to plant and don’t require much space. Choose short varieties for a better chance of success since they adapt well to various soil types.

When planting, just sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover them. Make sure kids know not to plant them too deep! Water them regularly and watch as they grow, making for a great little gardening project.

Basil

Basil is a fun and easy herb for kids to grow. It loves full sun, so find a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day.

Start with young plants or seeds. If you choose seeds, they sprout quickly, usually within a week. When the plants have a few sets of leaves, you can start clipping them for your favorite dishes.

Make sure to keep the soil rich and well-drained. Basil also appreciates some afternoon shade, especially in hotter areas. It’s a tasty addition to any garden.