Fun Friday: Kid’s Vegetable Garden

Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard.

In the urban jungle that is our neighborhood, one of the best ways to bring nature into kids’ lives is by planting a vegetable garden. Not only does it provide a multitude of opportunities to explore and learn about nature right in your own backyard, but it also allows kids to see firsthand where food comes from.

Last year was the first time I’d ever planted a vegetable garden, let alone with kids. We loved it – in spite of our very meager results. The fun was in the process – deciding what we wanted to plant, digging in the dirt, planting the seeds, watering and waiting for signs of life.

So there was no question we’d try again this year. Over the past month or so, the big explorer and I discussed what we wanted to plant. During his Spring break last week, we finally got to it. Here’s what we’re growing in our kid’s vegetable garden:

• Straight Eight cucumbers
• Italian Genovese basil
• Early Wonder beets
• Danvers carrots
• Di Cicco broccoli
• Husky Cherry Red, Big Beef & Yellow Cherry tomatoes (purchased as plants)

We made sure to add markers,

and even some fancy solar powered lights for nighttime viewing (which I picked up on sale for less than $3 each).

And guess what? We’re already seeing tiny signs of life!

There’s still plenty of time to plant your own kid’s vegetable garden, too. Don’t worry if you don’t have much space – containers on a porch or patio will work just fine.

More importantly, don’t be scared! Gardening is a continual learning process and kids are the perfect companions to learn with. They’re very forgiving of mistakes!

Take-Home Tips 

• Keep it kid-powered. A kid’s vegetable garden shouldn’t just grow kid-friendly food. It should also be kid-planned, kid planted and kid cared for.

• Don’t sweat the small stuff. When it comes to gardening with kids, don’t count on perfection. Jump in, try new things, learn from mistakes and stay positive. Your kids – and you – will have much more fun.

More Ideas for Spring Outdoor Fun

• Make a May Day basket.
• Go on a scientific scavenger hunt.
• Create a sidewalk butterfly garden.
• Or check out one of these 32 ideas for spring backyard nature fun. 

And if you live in the Los Angeles area, enjoy a Maypole dance at Shipley Nature Center’s Spring Festival. The day’s activities will include nature hikes, a nature fair, live animals, crafts for kids and more. Sat., April 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Happy exploring!