Best Plants for Children’s Gardens

1. Introduction

Creating a children’s garden is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the joys of nature, growth, and responsibility. A garden designed for kids offers not only a hands-on learning experience but also an opportunity for imaginative play and creativity. It’s a great way to instill an appreciation for the environment while also engaging them in an educational process. By choosing the right plants, gardening can become a fun and rewarding activity for children of all ages.

When selecting plants for a children’s garden, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

1. Safety – Children’s gardens should feature plants that are non-toxic and safe for young hands to touch or taste. Avoid plants that can cause skin irritation or are poisonous if consumed.
2. Ease of Growth – Choose plants that are easy to grow, resilient, and not too demanding. Kids will enjoy watching their plants grow quickly, and it will teach them the basics of plant care.
3. Engagement and Fun – The plants you select should offer some sort of sensory experience (such as fragrant flowers or colorful leaves), as well as the opportunity for hands-on learning like picking fruits or flowers.

The benefits of creating a garden for kids extend far beyond just growing plants. A children’s garden:

• Teaches children about the life cycle of plants from seed to harvest.
• Encourages outdoor physical activity and fosters a connection to the environment.
• Improves motor skills through digging, planting, and watering.
• Promotes creativity and responsibility as kids plan, plant, and care for their garden.
• Enhances problem-solving skills as children learn how to address challenges (such as pests or weather) that might affect their plants.

By choosing the right plants for a children’s garden, you’re not only providing them with an opportunity to learn, but also offering them an avenue to explore the natural world in a way that’s engaging and fun.

 

2. Why Children’s Gardens Are Important

Children's gardens offer a unique opportunity to engage kids in hands-on learning about nature and the environment. Gardening is more than just planting seeds; it’s about fostering a connection to the natural world, teaching responsibility, and understanding the growth cycles of plants. By encouraging children to actively participate in gardening, we not only educate them about nature but also empower them with valuable skills that they can apply throughout their lives.

Here are some key reasons why children’s gardens are essential:

1. Hands-On Learning about Nature and Growth Cycles – Gardening provides a practical way for kids to learn about the different stages of plant growth, from seed germination to flowering and fruiting. It also teaches them the concept of cause and effect: watering, sunlight, and soil all influence how plants grow.
2. Developing Fine Motor Skills and Creativity – Gardening tasks such as planting seeds, watering, and picking flowers require fine motor coordination. These activities help kids develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Additionally, gardening encourages creativity as children experiment with colors, textures, and designs when selecting plants or arranging them in the garden.
3. The Joy of Harvesting and Interacting with Plants – One of the most rewarding aspects of gardening is the ability to harvest the fruits or flowers that children have grown themselves. Whether it’s picking vegetables for a family meal or admiring a colorful bouquet, children gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. Gardening also gives them a chance to observe the cycles of nature, like watching insects pollinate flowers or seeing how different plants respond to varying weather conditions.

3. Safety First: Selecting Non-Toxic Plants

When planning a children’s garden, safety should always be the top priority. Many plants, while beautiful, can be toxic or harmful if touched, ingested, or handled improperly. Since children are naturally curious and often explore their environment by touching and tasting things, it's essential to select non-toxic plants to avoid any accidents. Non-toxic plants ensure that your garden is a safe space for children to learn and play without the risk of harmful reactions.

Some of the dangers of toxic plants include:

• Skin irritations or allergic reactions from contact with leaves, stems, or sap.
• Ingestion of poisonous parts of plants, which can cause nausea, vomiting, or even more severe health issues.
• Increased risk of children putting plant parts in their mouths as they explore the garden.

Here are some examples of safe, non-toxic plants that are ideal for children’s gardens:

• Sunflowers – Bright, cheerful flowers that are safe for kids and attract birds and pollinators.
• Marigolds – Easy to grow and perfect for adding color while being completely safe for children.
• Snapdragons – Fun to "snap" and play with, these flowers are non-toxic and can be grown in many climates.
• Boston Ferns – A great non-toxic houseplant option that’s also perfect for children’s indoor gardening activities.
• Lavender – Fragrant and safe, lavender offers a sensory experience for children to enjoy.

4. Easy-to-Grow Plants for Beginners

When introducing children to gardening, it’s important to start with plants that are simple to care for, grow quickly, and provide instant results. These plants help build a sense of accomplishment and excitement as kids see their efforts rewarded in a short amount of time. Easy-to-grow plants are also more forgiving, which means that even beginners can enjoy success in their gardening endeavors.

Here are some excellent plants for kids’ gardens that are low-maintenance, resilient, and fast-growing:

• Sunflowers – Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and thrive in full sun. Their tall, vibrant flowers provide a stunning visual display, and children will love watching them bloom.
• Radishes – Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables. They can be harvested in as little as 25 days, making them perfect for impatient young gardeners. Plus, they’re crunchy and fun to eat!
• Mint – A fragrant herb that grows quickly and spreads easily. Mint is perfect for a children’s garden because it doesn’t require much attention, and it’s great for kids to use in drinks and desserts.
• Marigolds – These bright, cheerful flowers are simple to grow from seed and attract beneficial pollinators to the garden. They’re also a natural pest repellent, which makes them practical as well as beautiful.
• Tomatoes – A favorite vegetable that can be grown in pots or directly in the garden. Children will enjoy watching the fruits ripen and may even try harvesting them themselves.

Tips for teaching children how to care for these plants:

• Explain the importance of watering plants regularly but not over-watering them.
• Teach kids to observe their plants daily to notice any changes, pests, or potential issues.
• Encourage kids to get involved in harvesting the fruits or flowers, showing them the rewards of their hard work.
• Use gardening tasks to teach responsibility—like setting a daily watering schedule and keeping track of plant growth.

Plant Name	Type	Growth Time	Care Requirements	Fun Fact
Sunflower	Flower	70-90 days	Low	Birds love sunflower seeds!
Radish	Vegetable	25-30 days	Low	Grows quickly and is crunchy!
Mint	Herb	30-60 days	Moderate	Can be used in drinks and desserts

By choosing these easy-to-grow plants, you’ll provide children with a rewarding, educational experience in the garden. As they watch their plants grow, they’ll develop a deeper understanding of nature and the importance of taking care of living things.

 

5. Fun and Interactive Plants for Children

Gardening can be a deeply creative and interactive experience, especially when children have the chance to engage with plants in fun and tactile ways. Some plants not only contribute beauty and color to the garden but also encourage exploration through their textures, scents, and visual appeal. These interactive plants can make gardening even more enjoyable, as they offer children the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and creative projects that connect them with nature.

Here are some types of plants that are perfect for sparking children’s creativity and encouraging interaction:

• Edible Plants – Edible plants, such as herbs, fruits, and vegetables, offer a great opportunity for children to learn about where food comes from while getting involved in harvesting and tasting the produce. Tomatoes, strawberries, and herbs like basil and mint are all excellent choices.
• Plants with Interesting Scents – Plants that have fragrant flowers or foliage can engage children's sense of smell. Lavender, mint, and rosemary are wonderful examples of plants that offer pleasing scents, providing an extra sensory element to the garden experience.
• Plants that Attract Wildlife – Plants like butterfly bushes and sunflowers attract wildlife such as butterflies, bees, and birds. This gives children the chance to observe the life cycle of pollinators, helping them understand the importance of biodiversity.
• Textured Plants – Some plants have fascinating textures that children can explore by touch. Lamb's ear, with its soft, fuzzy leaves, and ornamental grasses, which sway in the wind, are ideal for kids to touch and feel.

Here are some fun and engaging activities that children can enjoy using interactive plants:

• Leaf Pressing – Children can collect leaves from various plants and press them to create their own botanical art. This can also be a fun way to preserve plants like ferns or flowers.
• Flower Arranging – Picking flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, or lavender and arranging them in a vase allows children to explore color, symmetry, and creativity.
• Making Herb Sachets – By gathering herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint, children can make their own herb sachets to use as gifts or room fresheners.

Plant Name	Type	Interactive Feature	Best Use
Lavender	Herb	Fragrant flowers	Crafting and sensory play
Butterfly Bush	Shrub	Attracts butterflies	Pollinator watching
Snapdragons	Flower	Fun to "snap" flowers	Play and sensory play

Incorporating interactive plants into a children's garden not only makes gardening more fun but also opens up opportunities for creative learning. By involving kids in hands-on activities, you foster their creativity, teach them about nature, and provide them with new ways to engage with the world around them.

6. Sensory Plants to Engage Kids

Gardening is a wonderful way to engage all of a child’s senses—sight, touch, smell, and even taste. Sensory plants can captivate children's attention, stimulate their curiosity, and offer them a deeper connection to the natural world. By incorporating sensory plants into a children's garden, you can create an environment that provides a rich, multi-sensory experience. These plants allow children to see vibrant colors, touch soft or spiky textures, smell sweet or spicy fragrances, and even taste fresh herbs and fruits. Sensory gardens are an excellent way to introduce kids to the diverse wonders of nature.

Here are some plants that engage children’s senses in different ways:

• Bright Colors – Plants with bold, vibrant colors can captivate the eye. Flowers like sunflowers, marigolds, and geraniums have rich, vivid hues that draw children’s attention, making them perfect for sensory gardens.
• Fragrances – Scents play a powerful role in creating a sensory experience. Lavender, mint, and rosemary all offer delightful fragrances that children can explore by simply brushing their hands over the leaves or flowers.
• Unusual Textures – Some plants have fascinating textures that encourage children to touch and feel. For example, lamb's ear has soft, fuzzy leaves, while cactus offers a spiky contrast. Succulents and ornamental grasses provide a variety of textures to explore.
• Edible Plants – Incorporating edible plants like strawberries, tomatoes, and herbs like basil and oregano into a sensory garden allows children to taste the fruits of their labor, providing a rewarding and delicious experience.

To create a sensory garden for kids, consider including a variety of sensory plants that engage the different senses:

• Incorporate flowers with bold colors and soothing scents, such as sunflowers and lavender.
• Include herbs like mint and rosemary for their fragrant leaves, perfect for sensory exploration.
• Plant soft-textured plants like lamb's ear or catmint that kids will enjoy touching.
• Grow edible plants, such as tomatoes, strawberries, or carrots, that children can harvest and taste.

 

7. Growing Edible Plants: Encouraging Healthy Eating

Introducing children to gardening with edible plants can be a fun and educational experience that promotes healthy eating habits. Planting fruits, vegetables, and herbs allows kids to see where their food comes from and encourages them to make healthier food choices. By nurturing a children’s vegetable garden, kids can learn firsthand about the benefits of growing their own food, which helps develop a greater appreciation for healthy eating.

There are numerous benefits to growing edible plants with children:

• Teaching Healthy Eating – By planting fruits and vegetables, children develop a deeper understanding of healthy eating and the importance of incorporating fresh produce into their diets. A children’s vegetable garden can inspire them to enjoy eating what they’ve grown themselves.
• Hands-on Learning – Gardening offers a hands-on way for children to learn about plant growth cycles, the importance of sunlight and water, and the process of harvesting. This experience can teach them patience and responsibility.
• Improved Appetite for Fresh Produce – Studies show that children who participate in gardening are more likely to eat and enjoy fruits and vegetables, especially when they’ve had the experience of growing and harvesting them themselves.
• Encouraging Active Play – Gardening is an outdoor activity that encourages physical activity and helps children develop fine and gross motor skills as they plant, water, and harvest their crops.

Some easy-to-grow edible plants that kids will enjoy planting and harvesting include:

• Strawberries – These sweet, juicy fruits are a hit with kids and are easy to grow in containers or garden beds. They usually take about 60-90 days to mature and are rich in vitamin C.
• Carrots – Carrots are another favorite vegetable that can be easily grown in a child-friendly garden. They typically take 60-80 days to grow and are great for supporting good vision and skin health.
• Cherry Tomatoes – These bite-sized tomatoes are fun to grow and eat. With a growing time of 55-75 days, they are rich in antioxidants and perfect for snacking right off the vine.

Here’s a quick overview of some edible plants that are perfect for children’s gardens:

Plant Name	Type	Growing Time	Harvesting Tips	Health Benefits
Strawberries	Fruit	60-90 days	Harvest when fully red	Rich in Vitamin C
Carrots	Vegetable	60-80 days	Pull when roots are thick	Good for vision and skin
Cherry Tomatoes	Fruit	55-75 days	Pick when bright red	Rich in antioxidants

By growing these edible plants, children will not only have fun but also develop an understanding of the importance of eating fresh, nutritious food. A children’s vegetable garden can be an ongoing source of learning, helping kids gain lifelong skills in gardening, healthy eating, and sustainability.

8. Best Flowering Plants for Children’s Gardens

Flowering plants not only add vibrant beauty to a children’s garden but also provide numerous educational opportunities. Flowers can teach kids about the cycles of nature, pollination, and color recognition, making them an ideal addition to a kid-friendly garden. Watching flowers bloom and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies is a fascinating experience for children, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Flowers are also wonderful for encouraging children to develop responsibility as they care for the plants, observe their growth, and harvest seeds or petals. The colorful blooms and unique shapes make flowers particularly captivating, and many flowering plants are easy to grow, ensuring that kids can successfully cultivate them in their own gardens.

Here are some flowering plants that are perfect for children’s gardens:

• Daisies – These simple, cheerful flowers are easy to grow and perfect for teaching kids about flower parts and pollination. Their bright white and yellow petals make them visually appealing, and they require minimal care, making them great for beginner gardeners.
• Marigolds – Known for their bright orange and yellow blooms, marigolds are not only beautiful but also serve as a natural pest repellent. They’re great for planting in kids’ play areas and can help protect other plants from insects.
• Zinnias – Zinnias are colorful, easy-to-grow flowers that thrive in hot and dry conditions. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and white, and are perfect for teaching kids about heat tolerance and resilience in plants.

Here’s a quick overview of some flowering plants that are perfect for children’s gardens:

Plant Name	Type	Flower Color	Fun Fact
Marigold	Flower	Orange, Yellow	Pest repellent; great for kids’ play areas
Zinnia	Flower	Red, Pink, White	Tolerates heat and drought
Daisies	Flower	White, Yellow	Simple to grow and easy to care for

By adding flowering plants to a children’s garden, you can introduce children to the basics of plant care while teaching them about color recognition, pollination, and the important role flowers play in our ecosystems. With colorful blooms that attract pollinators, these plants create a dynamic, educational, and enjoyable gardening experience for kids.

 

9. Plants for Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

A wildlife-friendly garden not only beautifies your space but also creates a habitat for various creatures, providing children with the opportunity to connect with nature. By attracting birds, bees, butterflies, and other small animals, children can learn firsthand about the delicate balance of ecosystems. Engaging with nature through the observation of local wildlife enhances kids’ understanding of the natural world and sparks their curiosity about the environment.

Creating a garden that supports pollinators and wildlife doesn’t require large, complicated plants. Instead, choose flowers, shrubs, and herbs that attract a variety of creatures. In addition to fostering a sense of environmental stewardship, this also makes gardening more interactive and fun for children, as they can watch bees pollinate flowers, birds visit feeders, and butterflies flit from plant to plant.

Here are some recommended plants to include in your wildlife-friendly garden:

• Bee Balm – Bee balm is a perennial herb that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its bright, colorful flowers (often red or purple) make it visually appealing to kids, and its strong fragrance adds to the sensory experience.
• Echinacea – Known for its large, daisy-like flowers, echinacea is a favorite among pollinators. It’s hardy, easy to grow, and can attract butterflies while also being medicinally beneficial. It’s perfect for kids to observe the connection between plants and wildlife.
• Lavender – Lavender is a fragrant herb that draws in bees and butterflies with its vibrant purple flowers. Its aromatic scent makes it a great plant for sensory gardens, and it teaches children the role of scent in attracting wildlife.

By planting these wildlife-friendly plants, you create an inviting environment for local pollinators and animals. Children will enjoy observing these creatures while learning about their vital roles in nature, making their gardening experience even more meaningful. The joy of watching butterflies flutter by or listening to birds sing will foster an appreciation for wildlife that can last a lifetime.

10. DIY Garden Projects for Children

Gardening offers a variety of fun, hands-on projects that children can enjoy, allowing them to be creative while learning about nature. These DIY garden projects not only keep kids engaged but also teach valuable skills like teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving. From building birdhouses to making bug hotels, there are endless opportunities for children to get involved in the garden and explore the wonders of nature.

Here are some fun DIY garden projects to try with kids:

• Building a Birdhouse – Let children build a simple birdhouse that can be hung in the garden. It’s a great project for teaching kids about the importance of providing shelter for local wildlife and offers them a chance to observe birds up close.
• Making a Bug Hotel – Create a small, eco-friendly bug hotel using natural materials like wood, bamboo, and leaves. It’s a wonderful way to teach children about the role of insects in pollination and the garden ecosystem.
• Creating Garden Signs – Encourage kids to design and paint their own garden signs. These can be used to label plants or mark special areas of the garden, giving children a sense of ownership and pride in their space.

For a more structured garden, setting up a small container or raised bed garden is a great way to involve kids in gardening. These smaller spaces are easier for children to manage and allow them to grow their own plants from start to finish. Use child-friendly garden tools to make the experience more fun and accessible. Gardening is a fantastic opportunity for learning through play—kids can get their hands dirty, explore the outdoors, and take pride in the plants they grow.

11. How to Involve Children in Garden Planning and Design

Involving children in the garden planning and design process is a great way to encourage their creativity while teaching them about the basics of design and spatial awareness. By allowing children to participate in shaping their garden, you give them a sense of ownership and pride in their space, which makes the gardening experience more meaningful and exciting.

Here are some ways to involve children in garden planning and design:

• Designing Their Own Space – Give children a small area to design or let them choose where they would like to plant. Whether it's a flower bed, vegetable patch, or sensory garden, giving them the freedom to plan out their own space allows them to express their creativity while learning about organization.
• Teaching Spatial Planning – Teach kids how to map out the garden. Show them how to space plants properly, considering factors like size, sun exposure, and plant compatibility. Use graph paper or online tools to help them visualize how the plants will fit in the space.
• Exploring Color Combinations – Help children understand the basics of color theory by discussing plant colors. Encourage them to choose plants with complementary or contrasting colors to create a visually appealing garden. Let them experiment with different flower varieties to discover what looks best.
• Pairing Plants – Teach kids about companion planting and how certain plants can help each other grow. Show them which plants attract beneficial insects, improve soil health, or deter pests, and let them choose pairings for their garden.

 

12. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Gardening is a fun and rewarding activity for children, but parents and guardians may have some questions about getting started. Below are some frequently asked questions to help guide you in creating a kid-friendly garden.

• What are the safest plants for a children’s garden? It's important to choose non-toxic, child-friendly plants for your garden. Some of the safest plants for children include sunflowers, marigolds, snapdragons, and zinnias. These plants are not only safe but also easy to grow and provide vibrant colors and textures that appeal to kids.
• How can I make gardening fun for my kids? Gardening can be made fun by turning it into a creative, hands-on experience. Let your children choose what plants to grow, involve them in the planning and design, and introduce activities like making garden signs, building a birdhouse, or creating a bug hotel. Using child-sized tools can also make the experience more enjoyable and accessible.
• Are there any plants that grow quickly for kids to see results fast? Yes! There are several fast-growing plants that kids will love watching. Sunflowers, radishes, and lettuce grow quickly and offer immediate results. These plants are not only fun to grow but can also teach children about the growth cycle of plants.
• Can kids help with vegetable gardening? Absolutely! Vegetable gardening is an excellent way to teach kids about healthy eating and the importance of growing food. Children can help with planting seeds, watering, and harvesting crops like strawberries, tomatoes, and carrots. It's a great way to get kids excited about eating fresh produce.
• What tools are best for children to use in the garden? Look for child-sized, lightweight gardening tools like small shovels, rakes, and watering cans. These tools are easier for little hands to manage and can make gardening more fun. Some sets even come with gloves and aprons to make the experience feel more like a fun adventure.

 

Additional Resources

Top 10 Indoor Plants for Beginners

Gardening Myths Debunked

How to Select the Right Plant for Your Space