Getting kids involved in gardening is one of the best ways to spark curiosity, teach responsibility, and connect them with nature. Easy plants for kids to grow are not only low-maintenance, but they also offer quick results, bright colors, and even tasty rewards.
In this article, we’ll explore the top beginner-friendly plants for kids, provide helpful tips to keep them engaged, and recommend must-have tools to make gardening even more fun.
🧠 Why Gardening Is Great for Kids
Gardening isn’t just about planting seeds—it’s a full-sensory experience that offers hands-on learning, patience-building, and even some light physical activity. Studies show that children who garden develop:
Better focus and mental health Higher self-esteem An early appreciation for healthy food and the environment
It’s never too early to let little hands dig in the dirt and discover the magic of growing something from scratch.
🌻 7 Super Fun & Easy Plants for Kids to Grow
These plants are fast-growing, low-fuss, and exciting enough to keep kids coming back for more!
1. Sunflowers 🌻
Why kids love them: They grow tall and fast—up to 12 feet!
Time to sprout: 7–10 days
Fun tip: Have a sunflower race to see whose plant gets the tallest!
🛒 Try this: Sunflower Garden Kit for Kids on Amazon – Comes with everything needed, including soil discs, markers, and child-friendly instructions.
2. Radishes 🥗
Why kids love them: One of the fastest vegetables—ready in just 30 days!
Time to sprout: 4–7 days
Bonus: You can taste them right out of the soil.
🛒 Fun choice: Heirloom Radish Seed Packets – A mix of colorful varieties kids will enjoy.
3. Cherry Tomatoes 🍅
Why kids love them: Sweet, snackable, and easy to pick.
Time to sprout: 5–10 days
Fun idea: Let them eat straight from the vine!
🌿 Helpful tool: Self-Watering Tomato Grow Bag with Trellis Support
4. Snap Peas 🟢
Why kids love them: Sweet pods they can munch on in the garden.
Time to sprout: 7–14 days
Bonus: They’re fun to harvest and crunchy to snack on.
5. Carrots 🥕
Why kids love them: Digging them up feels like a treasure hunt!
Time to sprout: 10–14 days
Tip: Choose short varieties for faster results.
🛒 Try this: Rainbow Carrot Seed Mix for Kids
6. Pumpkins 🎃
Why kids love them: They can carve what they grow!
Time to sprout: 7–10 days
Warning: Needs space but worth it for Halloween.
7. Strawberries 🍓
Why kids love them: Juicy and delicious right off the plant.
Time to sprout: Usually started from bare roots or plants
Bonus: They come back year after year!
🧰 Kid-Friendly Gardening Tools (That Make Planting Fun)
Make gardening easier with tools built for little hands:
Colorful kid-sized gloves
Miniature trowels and watering cans
Raised beds or container kits
🛒 Top pick: INNOCHEER Kids Gardening Tool Set – Includes gloves, tools, and a tote bag.
🌼 Tips to Keep Kids Interested in Gardening
🌱 Give them their own space – Let kids decorate their garden spot or container.
📸 Start a photo journal – Track plant growth each week with photos.
🐞 Add garden buddies – Ladybugs, butterflies, and worms make great friends.
🎨 Paint plant markers – Let them get artsy and label each plant with fun names.
🪴 Choosing the Right Location
For the best experience:
Choose a sunny, visible area near your house or porch.
Raised beds or containers are easier to manage and reach.
Make sure there’s a water source nearby for easy maintenance.
📦 Fun Starter Kits to Make It Easy
Want to skip the planning? Try an all-in-one gardening kit:
🌿 Paint & Plant Flower Growing Kit for Kids
🍓 Back to the Roots Organic Strawberry Grow Kit
These kits usually include everything—seeds, pots, soil, labels, and instructions tailored for kids.
🌞 Final Thoughts
Gardening with kids is more than just fun—it’s a chance to build memories, teach responsibility, and spark lifelong curiosity. With these easy plants for kids to grow, even the smallest gardeners can enjoy big success.
So grab a trowel, pick up some seeds, and watch your little one’s face light up as their first green sprout pops through the soil!