By Alicia DeVore from Create My Garden
I didn't know there would be so many benefits when my family started our first garden many years ago. Planting seeds and seedlings (small plants) into those first garden beds in our tiny backyard in Los Angeles became a new adventure of learning for us all. That little garden space also quickly became a place to rest, enjoy, and explore.
Gardening is a great way to get your kids outdoors and learn about the wonders of nature. It's exciting to watch seedlings grow into plants that will produce delicious food you can enjoy together.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been gardening with your kids for years, this post will give you some fun and easy vegetables for beginning gardeners so that everyone can join in on the fun. Let’s explore 8 fun vegetables your kids will love to grow in their own garden.
Summertime Veggies
Summertime is the perfect opportunity to get your hands dirty and grow some delicious veggies with your kids. Don't make gardening complicated. Check out these veggies to grow and keep it easy.
1.Bush Beans:
These seeds are perfect for new and young gardeners. They grow quickly, don't require staking and produce a generous crop of beans that can be picked and eaten right off the plant. Not only do they require minimal effort, but they also sprout and mature quickly within 40-50 days of planting the seeds. Add bush bean seeds to any area that is empty in your garden or a container and use in small spaces.
2.Cucumbers:
Growing cucumbers doesn't require a vast amount of space. Use a trellis or a tomato cage to grow your cucumber plants up. This vertical growing method is not just practical for those with limited garden space, but it also promotes rapid growth. Depending on the variety, your cucumbers will be ready for harvest from seed in 50-70 days, making this a quick and space-efficient gardening solution.
3.Sweet Peppers:
Grow your own rainbow of veggies and get your kids excited about eating them. Instead of starting from scratch, head to your local nursery and pick up some pepper plants. You'll save time and have more success. Go for sweet and vibrant varieties and opt for smaller peppers for a bumper crop. It's a fun and easy way to enjoy a garden full of flavorful peppers all season long.
4.Cherry Tomatoes:
They grow quickly, produce an abundance of fruit, and are perfect for snacking right off the vine. Grab a few different varieties at your local nursery. These plants grow 6-10 feet tall, so make sure they have a tomato cage to grow vertically. This also makes it easier to pick and eat.
5.Pumpkins:
Pumpkins need plenty of space to grow. Starting your pumpkins from seeds in late spring or early summer is going to give you pumpkins ready to pick in the fall. Just make sure to give them plenty of space to grow and a vertical support if necessary.
Fall & Spring Veggies:
As the seasons change, so do the vegetables that you can plant for success with your kids in the garden. Here are three choices to plant from seed 6-8 weeks before the last frost in the spring or 6-8 weeks before the first frost in the fall.
6.Peas:
These hardy plants are perfect for early spring and fall planting. Kids will love eating them fresh off of the vine. Pea seeds are larger than most seeds and are easy for little hands to make a hole with their finger and add a pea seed to the hole and cover with dirt. Not only are they simple to grow, but they are also incredibly hardy, meaning even the slightest bit of frost won't harm them. It takes 60-70 days for seeds to grow and produce peas. Make sure to have a support or trellis for the pea vines to climb.
7.Radishes:
Radishes grow quickly, often ready to harvest in just three weeks, making them ideal for little gardeners. Despite their small size, they pack a flavorful punch that makes them a great addition to any salad or dish with a host of nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Plant the seeds 1-3 inches a part to use all the space for growing.
8.Carrots:
The excitement of pulling up a carrot from the soil never gets old. The bright orange color and satisfying crunch make it a favorite of veggie lovers everywhere. And while carrots may seem like a simple vegetable, there's actually quite a bit of variety to choose from. Have fun picking out different types of carrots to grow as a family. Make sure to keep carrot seeds moist to sprout. Cover the carrot seeds with a piece of cardboard to help the seeds to germinate and then lift off cardboard once sprouted and then the carrots will not need much help to keep growing.
In conclusion, gardening is a wonderful gift we can give our children no matter their age. It encourages exploration, observation, and patience. Not to mention, it's a great way to get kids outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine.
Even if you have limited space, you can still start a few seeds mentioned above and use a container or pot to start your mini garden. Turn spring, summer, and fall into an event that will be remembered as your kids plant easy veggies that bring health and a lifetime of family memories.
By Alicia DeVore from Create My Garden | Gardening Curriculum & Resources
