10 Plants Perfect for a Kids' Garden (2024)

Warning

Some of the plants on this list are toxic to pets. For more information about the safety of specific plants, consult the ASPCA's searchable database.

Radishes (Raphanus sativus)

Radishes are a terrific plant for kids to grow because their growing season is only 20 to 30 days, so they will get to sample their harvest quickly. Radishes come in a variety of bright colors, like pink, purple, and red, and have a strong flavor that will open up kids' palates to new tastes. For a milder flavor, harvest radishes while young.

Snap Peas (Pisum sativum)

The sweetness and crunch of snap peas make them an irresistible snack for kids to munch on right off the vine. Their curly tendrils will need some support, either against a fence or a tomato cage. Try snap peas in a fresh, summer salad or in a stir-fry recipe.

Cherry Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum)

The best part about having fresh cherry tomatoes in the garden is that they can be snacked on straight from the vine. Cherry tomatoes can be easily grown in containers, making them a fantastic choice if you plan to give your child their own pot to keep them in. Make sure to place stakes alongside each seedling for support as they grow. If you have to many tomatoes to eat while they are fresh, consider canning them or using them to make jam.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

A native to the prairies of North America, kids will love watching sunflowers grow tall as they track the sun each summer day. Mammoth varietes of the flower can grow to be 15 feet tall with flower heads reaching a gigantic one foot in diameter. Seeds from some types, like the Russian mammoth, make for a delicious, roasted snack.

Wild Strawberries (Fragaria virginia)

The sweet and tarty flavor of wild strawberries is the perfect reward for tending to this perennial plant. Children will enjoy mulching the strawberry plants with straw and connecting its name to this practice. And don’t forget about dessert — bake wild strawberries into a pie or use them to top off a bowl of vanilla ice cream.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Whether you plant iceberg, romaine, or loose-leaf, lettuce is quick to grow from seed to harvest, ensuring that kids will not lose their patience while waiting. Be sure that the lettuce is watered consistently and that it receives some shady relief from the intensity of the summer sun.

Carrots (Daucus carota)

While slow to grow, carrots are easy to maintain and fun for kids to pull out from the dirt. Carrots can be planted in raised beds, which will be simple for kids to work with, and should be covered in a light and loose layer of compost. Have the kids sample the carrots raw or try them in a summer veggie stir-fy.

Pumpkins (Cucurbita maxima)

Pumpkins are a fantastic plant for kids if you have a decent-sized garden patch. The seeds sprout in only seven days and after a few more days, the vines start creeping along the ground. Soon enough, the vines blossom and baby pumpkins start to emerge. Pumpkins take 80 to 120 days to mature, but kids will get to watch them grow. If you make this a mid-summer crop, you'll be able to carve one for Halloween.

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

A delicious treasure of any vegetable garden, children will love to "hunt" for potatoes buried in the ground. Potatoes rely on lots of sun and room to reach their full potential, so plan your garden accordingly. Teach your kids the versatility of cooking with potatoes by using them in recipes for soups, fries, or, simply, the classic baked potato.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Of the many herbs that are easy to grow from seed, peppermint is a great one to plant with kids. Peppermint is a beautifully fragrant herb and an especially strong grower that kids will just love. Even if your kids skip the watering more than they should and occasionally stomp on the plant, it will still produce. For more fun, teach your kids how to garnish their tea with a a couple of freshly picked peppermint leaves.