Looking for a few easy to grow vegetable garden crops that your kids can plant and grow from seed this year?
If you are looking for a great way to get your children interested in gardening – there is no better way than to let them get their hands dirty by planting and growing their own little “garden” area. To be sure, introducing children to gardening at a young age is one of the most rewarding and educational experiences a parent can provide for their kids.
Not only does it offer hands-on lessons about nature, responsibility, and patience – it also fosters a connection to food and the environment that can last a lifetime. When children grow their own food, they are far more likely to develop an appreciation for fresh, healthy produce. All while learning valuable skills that can encourage healthier eating habits and a lifelong interest in the gardening!
The good news is that giving them this experience doesn’t have to be complicated. Nor does it have to take up a lot of space. In fact, with some of the seed crops below, you can even plant them in containers or raised beds if space is an issue.
One thing is for sure – all of the crops below can be easy to plant, grow and maintain. And the look on your child’s face the first time they harvest and eat a vegetable they grew from seed can be all but priceless!
6 Great Vegetables Kids Can Grow From Seed This Year
1) Green Beans
Green beans are a perfect choice for children to plant because they germinate quickly and produce delicious pods that can be picked over an extended period. Their vines or bushy growth habit also make them fun to watch as they climb and spread.
To sow green beans, start by planting the seeds about 1 inch deep in warm soil, spacing them roughly 3 inches apart. As the plants grow, regular watering is key, especially during dry spells. This is another great activity for children as it gives them a great chore to perform regularly.
Bush beans are low maintenance, but pole beans benefit from some gentle training along their support. If you’re growing climbing varieties, be sure to set up a trellis or support structure early on so the plants can easily climb. Affiliate Seed Link: Sow Right Seeds – Contender Bush Green Bean Seeds
In about 50 to 60 days, you’ll be able to pick fresh, tender green beans, making for a fun activity that kids will enjoy as they snap off the pods at just the right time.
2) Sunflowers – The Perfect Towering Plant For Kids To Grow!
While not a vegetable, sunflowers are a wonderful crop for kids to grow from seed. Their tall stalks and large, bright blooms make them fun and interesting. Even better, the seeds they produce can be harvested for snacks or bird food.
Plant sunflower seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart in a sunny spot. Water them regularly and make sure they have enough room to grow. Taller sunflowers might need a stake for extra support. Affiliate Seed Link: Seed Needs Mammoth Sunflower Seeds
When the flower heads start to dry and the seeds turn black, they are ready to be harvested. Harvesting can be just as fun for children as can roasting the seeds. You can roast the seeds for a snack or leave them for birds to enjoy. See our article: How To Harvest Sunflower Seeds – The Secret To Drying & Roasting Sunflowers!
3) Radishes: A Fast-Growing Favorite For Kids To Plant
Radishes are an excellent choice for young gardeners because they grow rapidly, often ready for harvest within three to four weeks. Their bright colors and mild, crunchy taste make them a fun vegetable for children to eat as well.
To sow radishes, begin by planting the seeds directly into rows in your garden or into pots or containers. Make small holes about ½ inch deep and place the seeds approximately 1 inch apart. After planting, water the area lightly to help settle the seeds into the soil.
As the radishes grow, it’s important to keep the soil moist without making it soggy, ensuring the plants get the right amount of water for healthy growth. Radishes are particularly well-suited for small gardens or containers because they don’t need much space. They thrive best when grown in well-drained soil and receive plenty of sunlight.
Once the radish tops reach about an inch in diameter, you can harvest. This process can be a fun activity for children, who can easily pull the radishes out by grasping the green tops and giving a gentle tug.
4. Cherry Tomatoes – The Perfect Vegetable Plant Kids Can Grow From Seed
Cherry tomatoes are easy to grow and produce small, bite-sized fruits that kids love to pick and eat right off the vine. And the plants can grow in pots, containers, a raised bed – or right in the garden with ease!
Although most gardeners start their tomato plants from transplants, cherry tomatoes grow so fast, you can easily start them from seed. Especially if you will be growing them in a container or pot. Affiliate Seed Link: Sow Right Seeds – Large Red Cherry Tomato Seeds
Tomatoes thrive in sunny locations, so keep your plants where they will get as much light as possible. Keep plants well watered, and even small cherry tomato plants can use a small support to keep the plants upright.
Cherry tomatoes ripen in about 60 days. Kids will enjoy picking the small, colorful fruits and popping them in their mouths like nature’s candy.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce is a great crop for kids because it grows quickly and you can harvest it multiple times. The soft leaves and mild flavor make it appealing to young taste buds.
To sow lettuce, start by scattering the seeds thinly over the soil and then cover them lightly. The seeds usually germinate very quickly—often within a week. As the plants grow, it’s important to keep the soil evenly moist and to provide some shade during hot weather to prevent the lettuce from bolting.
Lettuce can thrive in both garden beds and containers, making it a versatile choice for any space. When it’s time to harvest, children can enjoy picking baby greens just a few weeks after planting by simply snipping off the leaves as needed.
6. Carrots – The Root Vegetable Crop Kids Can Grow From Seed
Carrots take longer to grow but are well worth the wait. The excitement of pulling up a hidden, colorful vegetable from beneath the soil makes them a favorite among children.
To grow carrots, start by planting the seeds about ¼ inch deep in loose, well-drained soil, spacing them around 1 inch apart to allow for proper growth. Affiliate Seed Link: Sow Right Seeds – Kuroda Carrot Carrot Seed
Once planted, keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering, and thin out the seedlings to avoid overcrowding. In about 60 to 75 days, the carrots will be ready to harvest. When it’s time, gently loosen the soil around the plants before carefully pulling them up to prevent any breakage.
Growing vegetables and sunflowers is a wonderful way to engage children in the joys of gardening.
With just a small patch of soil or even a few containers, children can experience the magic of planting a seed and watching it grow into something edible and beautiful.
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