10 Easy Vegetables Kids Can Help Plant This Spring
Getting kids outside and involved in gardening is one of the best ways to keep them active, curious, and away from screens. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach them where their food comes from and the patience that comes with growing something from seed. Spring is the perfect time to get started, and you don’t need to be an expert gardener to make it work.
Children love digging, watering, and checking on their plants each day, so why not let them take ownership of a few crops in your garden? Not all vegetables are created equal when it comes to beginner-friendly planting, but I’ve rounded up 10 easy ones that kids will enjoy growing – and eating!
1. Radishes
If you’re looking for a vegetable that grows quickly and keeps kids interested, radishes are the perfect pick. They can be ready to harvest in just a few weeks, which is ideal for children who might not want to wait too long to see results.
Top tip: Sow radish seeds every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest – perfect for impatient gardeners!
2. Carrots
Carrots are a kid-friendly favourite. They don’t take up much space and can even be grown in pots or deep containers if your soil isn’t ideal. Kids love pulling them up and discovering the different shapes and sizes hiding under the soil.
Top tip: Grow shorter carrot varieties in pots – they’re easier for children to handle and harvest.
3. Lettuce
Leafy greens like lettuce are incredibly easy to grow. You can plant them in rows or scatter seeds in a container, and before long, you’ll have fresh salad leaves to pick. Encourage your kids to create their own “garden salad” from their harvest – it makes healthy eating much more fun.
Top tip: Harvest outer leaves often to keep plants producing longer.
4. Peas
Peas are great because they grow fast, climb up trellises or supports, and produce sweet pods that kids can snack on straight from the plant. Watching the vines twist and curl is fascinating for little ones.
Top tip: Use bamboo canes or sticks tied into a teepee – kids will love training the vines to climb.
5. Green Beans
Similar to peas, beans are climbing plants that are exciting to watch grow. They also produce lots of pods, which means your child gets the satisfaction of multiple harvests. Pole beans in particular are fun to grow up teepees made of sticks – almost like a secret garden tent.
Top tip: Pick beans regularly to encourage the plants to keep producing.
6. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another easy vegetable for kids to grow. They love the sun and need regular watering, which makes them perfect for little helpers who enjoy filling up a watering can. Harvesting cucumbers fresh from the vine always feels like a treat.
Top tip: Train cucumber plants up a fence or trellis to save space and make harvesting easier for small hands.
7. Spinach
Spinach is quick to germinate and produces plenty of leaves. It’s also very forgiving, so even if kids forget to water it now and then, it usually bounces back. You can keep picking leaves over several weeks, giving children that instant reward of “pick and eat.”
Top tip: Plant spinach in partial shade to keep it from bolting (going to seed too quickly).
8. Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are particularly popular with kids because they’re sweet and easy to grow in pots or hanging baskets. Children will love checking daily to see when the fruit starts turning red, and picking them right off the vine is a great way to encourage healthy snacking.
Top tip: Choose bush or dwarf varieties – they don’t need as much staking and are simpler for beginners.
9. Zucchini (Courgettes)
Zucchini plants are prolific, meaning you’ll usually get a lot of fruit from just one or two plants. Their big leaves and large flowers are fun for kids to observe, and before long, they’ll be picking their very own zucchinis.
Top tip: Harvest zucchinis when they’re small – they taste better and encourage the plant to keep producing.
10. Pumpkins
Pumpkins take a little longer to grow, but they’re worth it for the wow factor. Kids will enjoy watching the vines spread and the pumpkins slowly swell. If you plant them in spring, you may even have home-grown pumpkins by autumn for carving or baking.
Top tip: Place a tile or piece of cardboard under growing pumpkins to keep them clean and prevent rot.
Tips for Gardening with Kids
- Give them their own tools: A small trowel, watering can, and gloves will make children feel more involved.
- Set up a kid-sized plot or container: This lets them take ownership of their space.
- Celebrate the harvest: Even if the vegetables aren’t perfect, cook them together or snack on them straight from the garden.
Gardening is such a rewarding activity for the whole family. Not only does it provide fresh, healthy food, but it also teaches patience, responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for nature.
If you’re looking for a great place to start, check out the wide range of vegetable seeds available at Mr Fothergill’s. With so many options, you and your kids can experiment and find the vegetables that bring the most joy (and the tastiest results).
So grab your gloves, head outdoors, and let your kids discover the magic of planting, growing, and harvesting this spring. It’s a family project that will create memories long after the last veggie has been picked.
