How to Design a Children’s Garden

February 18, 2021 by Hillary Schulte

Looking to start a garden? Already have one? Here are simple tips to make your children’s garden a success!

Designing a children’s garden can be fun and educational for the whole family. Living in California, we are fortunate to have a long growing season. But don’t let that stop you! Outside of California you can adapt a garden into pots that can transfer inside and outside according to the weather. No matter what, small space or huge yard, you can easily make a garden space for you and your kids.

Create a special place in your yard. Could be front or backyard, or a special spot on an apartment patio. Your kids will embrace the idea that they have their OWN space to garden. Pick up kids size gardening gloves and a small hand shovel. Better, let your child choose their own equipment. I promise that they love picking out garden supplies!

Sensory Plants – the plants that kids love to touch!
Kids love to touch things, and sensory bins are an important part of a child’s development. Take the sensory bin idea to the garden and add a few of these gems.

Edible Plants
Think outside of the “garden” box. Some fruits and vegetables are perennials. Blueberries for example add a nutritious zing to any garden. They provide green foliage most of the year, flower, then blueberries appear! Kids love them and harvesting adds another level of fun. List of edible outdoor plants.

Fruits
Plant lemon or lime trees, dwarf peach, cherry, strawberries, blueberries, elderberries. If you are feeling adventurous, try growing pear or avocado trees.

Vegetables
Kids love to help harvest vegetables! Plant tomatoes, lettuce, green beans, basil, eggplant, and if you have space, try summer squash.

Fun Plants for Kids:

• Bat Faced Cuphea – the flowers make a “bat face” shape!
• Salvias – drought tolerant, fast growing, many colors to choose from.
• Sunflowers
• Marigolds

Helpful hints:

• Plant low to the ground or in raised beds.
• Easy access for children to see and harvest is best.
• Teach children about ripeness and when to harvest.
• Get dirty. Wear gloves and boots, let the kids sit in the garden with you while planting and harvesting.

Other helpful Links:

Kid Friendly Indoor Plants

Garden Crafts for Kids

Small Garden Ideas

Container Gardens for Patios