When it comes to gardening with kids, choosing plants that grow quickly and are easy-to-grow is important. Not only does it improve their chances of success, seeing quick results keeps them interested. These flowers fit the bill for gardening with kids for both reasons.
Cosmos
Cosmos grow quickly when planted from seed and require very little care. These colorful flowers seem to float above the ground as they wave in the breeze. Try a mixture of colors or let your child choose the color he prefers.
Poppies
These flowers fascinate kids with their papery petals and unusual seed pods. Help your child plant poppies in the spring and allow him to spread the seeds in the fall. Be prepared for poppies in a few unusual places, as your child is likely to spread seeds wherever he goes once he discovers that he can shake the seeds about like shaking salt from the salt shaker.
Marigolds
Plant marigolds from seed in early spring. These hardy little plants germinate quickly and grow rapidly producing flowers in shades of yellow, gold and red. Marigolds range in height from a mere six to eight inches to towering plants of three to four feet.
Snapdragons
These may be a bit easier to grow from seedlings than planting from seed. Those found in the nursery are often ready to bloom by late spring. These delightful plants entertain kids for hours – if you teach them how to squeeze the bloom to open the dragon’s jaw. When released, the jaw snaps shut like a dragon nipping at fingers. To encourage imaginative play, plant snapdragons in areas where children can access them easily without destroying the plants.
Sunflowers
Let’s face it, a kid’s flower garden wouldn’t be complete without these towering flowers that seem to smile at the sun. Although there are many varieties to choose from, giant sunflowers appeal to kids. Help your child plant sunflowers in the spring for an impressive display in late summer. To keep his interest during the summer, consider making a sunflower house.
Keep in mind that the goal of gardening with kids is to teach them a love of gardening and the skills to pursue a lifelong hobby. Be patient with bent stems, or your child’s desire to pick all his flowers for some imaginative play. Consider giving your child his own plot of land and allowing him the joy of growing his own flower garden. To introduce kids to gardening, consider purchasing seedlings ready to bloom instead of planting seeds.
