Spring is here and it’s a great time to start planning a vegetable garden with your kids! When kids grow their own garden they learn the farm to table process, and see all of the hard work that it takes to grow food. It’s fun to watch a seed grow into something you can eat! Teach your kids how to garden this spring, and enjoy time in the fresh air.

Here are some tips to make a kid friendly garden this spring!

 

Designate A Space

Figuring out where to build your garden is the first step. When choosing a location you’ll want to consider factors like how much sun an area receives, how much space you need to grow the plants on your list, and whether or not you have natural wind blocks. Sun is essential for plants to grow, but too much direct sunlight can also have the opposite effect. If you live in a windy area you’ll want to think about planting on the side of the yard where the wind is blocked by the house, shed or trees. Too much wind can cause plants to grow unevenly in one direction or even rip them out.

 

Do Your Research

As you think about what plants you want to grow in your garden, research your agricultural zone. Simply do an online search to learn what zone your home is in, and then you’ll learn about frost dates, what crops do well in your area, and when to start planting in your garden. Research how often you’ll need to water and figure out whether you’ll use an irrigation line or a watering can.

 

Tools Are Important

Gather the tools you’ll need to make your child friendly garden. It’s easier for kids to garden when they have the right tools on hand. Some common garden tools include: gloves, seed trays, soil, a spade, a trowel, a hand rake, a large rake, a shovel, buckets, a hose, irrigation lines or a watering can, and ties and stakes for plant support. The better equipped you are, the easier it will be for kids to work in the garden.

 

Start Planting

Kids can start planting their vegetable garden indoors. Some spring plants can be planted in small trays as early as 4-6 weeks before transplanting outside. You’ll need to have a grow light or place the trays of seedlings near good natural light. Good spring vegetables to start indoors are cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts. 

Once the danger of frost has passed, kids can start planting seeds directly in the soil. Some good spring vegetables to start outdoors from seed are: kale, peas, onions, radishes, spinach, lettuce and turnips. Summer crops include tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, beans, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins and carrots. 

 

We hope you enjoy growing a kids vegetable garden! Share videos of your kids planting and your vegetables to the Campfire.