Gardening with Kids
Spring Planting Tips
Plant summer-flowering bulbs now. Glads, dahlias, callas, cannas, and lilies will bloom this summer if planted soon. Attract birds to your feeders—goldfinches will visit thistle feeders, and rufous-sided towhees will enjoy seed feeders.
Fertilize established roses and begin spraying them for insect and disease problems. Neem oil is an effective, less toxic spray that works against both pests and diseases. Start begonia bulbs indoors now and transplant them outdoors after the last frost for summer blooms.
This is the last chance to plant asparagus roots this year. This perennial vegetable will produce for up to 20 years.
Gardening with Kids
There are many fun ways to interest children in gardening. Unusual or fascinating plants can spark their curiosity:
- Snapdragons (pinch the blossoms to make them "snap")
- Bleeding heart, fuchsias, and balloon flowers
- Honesty (with papery "silver dollar" seed heads)
- Lamb’s ears (soft, furry leaves)
Tall, fast-growing plants captivate kids:
- Sunflowers (grow visibly each day)
- Large marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, "dinnerplate" dahlias, gladioli, and lilies
Planting potatoes is a magical activity—kids love digging up "buried treasure" at harvest time, discovering colorful and uniquely shaped tubers.
Edible plants are a great way to engage children:
- Sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, and strawberries (ripe berries feel like a game of hide-and-seek)
Garden structures create fun hideaways:
- Bean teepees or sunflower houses (secret spaces)
- Scarlet runner beans, morning glories, and moonflowers for climbing
Fragrant flowers add sensory delight:
- Sweet peas (perfect for bouquets)
- Honeysuckle (sweet nectar)
- Oriental lilies and lavender (great for sachets or wands)
Older kids may enjoy having their own garden space. Let them experiment—even if they plant an entire seed packet in one square foot, they’ll learn from the results. Encourage planting flower bulbs to witness the transformation from a dry bulb to a blooming plant.
If you love gardening, your children may develop the same passion by discovering the joys of the plant world alongside you.