Crops to grow with the kids

Growing crops with kids can be a fun and educational activity.  It’s important to choose crops that are relatively easy to grow, have a short growing season, and are visually appealing or provide a tasty reward. Here are some of the best crops to grow with kids:

Blueberries

These are fun, easy to grow and super tasty. It’s best to buy a blueberry plant and place it in a sunny spot. They need ericaceous compost and fed with organic compost each Spring. Harvest in late summer.

Nasturtiums

Who doesn’t love an edible flower?! The leaves can be eaten when they’re young then the flowers used to make pretty cakes. That’s a double whammy of activity for kids in the holidays!

Chard

Easy to grow and with a long harvest period, this is a great veg to have in the kitchen. They have big seeds which makes it easy to sow.

Carrots

Carrots are fun to grow because kids can watch the leafy greens emerge from the soil, and they can be pulled up to reveal the colourful roots. Choose shorter varieties or “baby” carrots for quicker results.

Lettuce or salad greens

Lettuce and salad greens are fast-growing crops that can be harvested when young, making them perfect for kids. They can be grown in containers or in a small garden patch.

Herbs

Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are aromatic and full of flavour, making them engaging for kids to grow. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, and children can use them to season their favourite dishes.

Remember to involve kids in every step of the process, from selecting the seeds or seedlings to caring for the plants and harvesting the crops. This hands-on experience will help them develop an appreciation for nature and food.