Planting With Kids: Victoria Gerrard La Crosse Shares Fruits And Veggies Even Novice Gardeners Can Grow

By Clinton Courier | June 14, 2023 |

Gardening is an exciting and educational activity for kids of all ages. Planting, watching the plants grow, and harvesting the fruits and veggies are entertaining and essential to a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle.

Children participating in gardening activities may also develop skills such as patience and responsibility and learn about sustainability. In this blog post, expert Victoria Gerrard La Crosse will share some simple and exciting fruits and vegetables that even novice gardeners can grow with kids.

Carrots

Carrots are a great choice if you’re looking for a vegetable that is easy to grow and provides a satisfying harvest. Carrot seeds are tiny, making them easy for small hands to plant.

Additionally, carrots grow well in small spaces and containers. They are also healthy, as they are a fantastic source of vitamin A.

Your kids will have fun watching the green shoots pop up from the soil as the carrots begin to grow. Towards the end of summer, they’ll have fun pulling them out of the ground.

Strawberries

What kid doesn’t love a sweet, juicy strawberry? Strawberries are easy to grow and can be planted in gardens, containers, or hanging baskets.

They are harvested in the spring and early summer, so kids must be patient and wait for them to ripen. Kids will love to see the tiny white flowers appearing before the fruits begin to grow.

They also flower throughout the season, so your kids will have a never-ending supply of delicious berries to snack on.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are easy to grow and provide an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about caring for their plants. They are typically started from seedlings, making it easier and quick for kids to move to the next step.

Later, they will learn about pruning and staking, which are necessary for a healthy yield. Tomatoes need a lot of sunlight to grow well, which makes it essential to plant in a sunny spot in the garden.

With many colors, sizes, and types, your kids will have fun picking out their favorites to grow.

Peppers

Peppers can be grown similarly to tomatoes, requiring plenty of sunlight and consistent watering. Kids can learn about the different varieties, which vary in heat and sweetness.

By nurturing them from seed to harvest, they can learn about the different stages of a plant’s lifecycle. Peppers can be a fun addition to the garden and add flavor to any dish.

Radishes

Radishes are easy to grow, mature quickly, and come in different colors and varieties, so your kids won’t get bored of them soon. They are root vegetables and make an excellent choice for container gardens.

Radishes are also a usual way to incorporate greens into your child’s meals. Kids will have fun watching the underground root and then, full of excitement, pull them from the soil to see their harvest.

Peas

Peas are another vegetable that is easy to grow and provides a satisfying harvest. They can be grown on a trellis or other support structure.

Kids will have fun watching the vines grow and the peas take shape. Peas come in different sizes and colors, providing a fun variety for children.

Eating fresh peas from the garden is a delicious and healthy kid snack. Your children will enjoy making their fresh pea pod snacks from the garden.

Green Beans

Green beans are an excellent crop for kids. They increase and produce a lot of beans, giving children a sense of accomplishment.

Green beans grow best in rich soil with lots of organic matter. Kids can learn the importance of soil preparation and can also help with watering.

They typically grow in about 45-60 days, making them a quick and easy crop to plant. Be sure to pick them regularly; the more you harvest, the more beans the plant produces.

Potatoes

Potatoes are another easy-to-grow vegetable that is great for kids. They only require a few simple steps to grow.

Cut seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye.” Plant them about 6 inches deep in a sunny area with well-drained soil.

Water regularly, but don’t overwater, as too much water can cause the potatoes to rot. Kids will love digging up the potatoes and discovering what’s beneath the soil.

Final Thoughts

Planting a garden with kids can be an engaging and educational experience. You don’t need to be an experienced gardener to start growing your fruits and vegetables with children.

It’s crucial to pick the right plants that are easy to grow, requires lower maintenance, and provide a satisfying harvest. These plants are all excellent examples of easy and fruitful fruits and veggies that novice gardeners can plant with their children.

Gardening isn’t just a fun activity for children; it can also help develop essential skills such as patience, responsibility, and sustainability. By learning together, you and your kids will have a lot of fun, learn from each other and develop an appreciation for nature’s intricacies.