5 Of The Best Summer Plants For Kids To Grow In The Garden

Gardening is a brilliant way to keep children entertained during the summer holidays while also teaching them valuable lessons about nature, wildlife, and responsibility. That’s exactly why we’re sharing this post about 5 summer plants for kids to grow in the garden. Gardening is a fun, hands-on activity that gets kids outside, keeps them busy, and encourages them to appreciate the world around them. Plus, it’s a cheap and cheerful way to spend time together as a family!

If you’re looking for easy-to-grow plants that will keep little hands busy and help teach them about the world around them, here are five of the best summer plants for kids to grow in the garden.

1. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a classic favourite for children – and for good reason! They grow quickly, can reach impressive heights, and produce bright, cheerful flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Why not host a competition and see who in your family can grow the tallest sunflower?

Why kids will love growing sunflowers:

They grow fast, so kids can see progress quickly.
The flowers follow the sun, which is a fun fact to teach little gardeners.
Sunflowers attract pollinators, providing a great opportunity to talk about the importance of bees and other insects in the garden.
Once the flowers fade, you can collect the seeds to add to DIY bird feeders or save them to replant next year.

How to grow sunflowers with kids:

Sow seeds directly into the soil in late spring (April to May) when the frost has passed.
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Water them regularly and watch them grow taller and taller each week!

2. Strawberries

What’s better than picking your own fresh, juicy strawberries straight from the garden? This is a fantastic summer plant for kids to grow because they can enjoy the literal fruits of their labour. You can also grow fresh herbs in the garden too!

Why kids will love growing strawberries:

They get to eat delicious, homegrown strawberries!
Strawberries are easy to grow in pots or hanging baskets and are a great choice if space is limited.
The plants produce runners, which is a great way to teach kids about plant reproduction.

How to grow strawberries with kids:

Plant young strawberry plants in spring or early summer in a sunny spot.
Water regularly, especially in dry weather.
Mulch with straw or a similar material to keep fruit clean and deter pests.
Protect ripening strawberries from birds with netting.

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3. Marigolds

Marigolds are an easy-to-grow flower that adds a pop of colour to the garden and even helps to keep pests at bay. They’re perfect for little ones who love bright, cheerful flowers.

Why kids will love growing marigolds:

Their bright orange and yellow flowers are beautiful and eye-catching.
They have a strong scent that deters garden pests.
They attract bees and butterflies, helping to support local wildlife.

How to grow marigolds with kids:

Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly into the soil after the last frost has passed.
Plant in full sun for the best flowers.
Water them regularly, but don’t overdo it – marigolds don’t like soggy soil.
Deadhead (remove wilted flowers) to encourage more flowers throughout the summer.

4. Snapdragons

Snapdragons are a fun and whimsical flower that kids will love because the blooms resemble tiny dragon mouths that open when squeezed!

Why kids will love growing snapdragons:

The flowers are interactive – they can gently squeeze them to ‘snap’ open.
They come in a variety of bright colours.
They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How to grow snapdragons with kids:

Sow seeds in early spring indoors or plant young plants in late spring.
Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot.
Keep soil moist but not too wet.
Pick flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.

5. Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables to grow in the summer with kids. This makes them an ideal plant to grow for children who love to see quick results.

Why kids will love growing radishes:

They grow incredibly fast – some are ready to harvest in just four weeks!
They can be grown in small spaces, even in containers.
Harvesting them is fun – kids will love pulling them up and discovering what’s hiding beneath the soil.

How to grow radishes with kids:

Sow seeds directly into the ground from March to August.
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Water regularly to keep the roots from turning woody.
Harvest when they reach a good size – around the size of a marble or bigger.

Gardening With Kids – The Benefits

Growing plants with children isn’t just about keeping them entertained. It’s also a fantastic way to teach them important skills and knowledge. Here are just a few of the benefits:

Educational: Kids learn about plant life cycles, pollination, and the importance of caring for nature.
Encourages healthy eating: Growing fruits and veggies like strawberries and radishes can make kids more eager to try them.
Supports wildlife: Flowers like marigolds and sunflowers attract bees and butterflies, helping to support local biodiversity.
Boosts mental well-being: Gardening is known to reduce stress and improve mood – great for both kids and parents!
Encourages responsibility: Looking after plants teaches children the importance of nurturing and caring for something.

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Final Thoughts

Gardening is an easy, low-cost, and rewarding activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. Whether they’re growing towering sunflowers, picking sweet strawberries, or marvelling at snapdragon ‘dragon mouths’, there’s something magical about watching plants grow. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to spend time together outdoors during the summer holidays and learn about the world around us.