Gardening with kids might conjure up images of junior pulling out your prized hydrangeas and 'presenting' them to you in a bouquet, or having potted plants turned into mud pies by an over-enthusiastic waterer. It doesn't have to be that way—there are plenty of ways to involve kids in gardening that can be fun for them and productive for you!
While we don't suggest that your helpers will be able to distinguish a weed from a flower, you can get your kids involved in the garden and instill both pride and ownership. And the best part is, you can always start again next spring!
Where to plant?
Designate a kid's garden, whether it be a full bed, a corner of the yard, or just an additional plant or flower that they add to the existing garden.
What to plant?
We've got some great suggestions on top crops to plant with kids:
Sunflower: A must for a child's garden. Plant just one or two, since they take a lot of room.
Lettuce/mescluns: A quick and reliable crop to give the child fast results, and also a good way to interest kids in salads.
Radishes: Quick results for the young gardener.
Snow peas: A quick-growing early crop, and fun for kids to eat right off the vine.
Cherry tomatoes: Gotta have 'em! These may be the most fun crop for a child.
Bush beans: Fast, easy, high yield and fun to harvest.
Carrots: Small varieties are recommended for children, as they're easier to grow and more fun to eat.
Potatoes: A 'never-fail' crop. You can plant red or white varieties; red will mature faster.
momstown programs have great ways to get kids interested in living and growing things—it's a great spring theme. You can plant a seed in a cup, make mudpies, or use flowers as a sensory activity for toddlers.
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