Introducing kids to gardening and growing fresh herbs
05 April, 2026
Spring is finally here, and with it comes the urge to get your hands in the soil? Why not take the opportunity to introduce your kids to gardening, a perfect chance to teach them patience, responsibility and the many wonders of the nature around them? And if you start small, with, say, a few pots of fresh herbs on the windowsill or on the balcony, you'll probably be surprised at how quickly it can become a wonderful family routine!
Why garden with your kids?
Beyond the fun side, gardening with your kids offers a host of concrete benefits:
- Developing fine motor skills by handling soil, seeds and tools
- Learning a sense of responsibility by caring for a plant every day
- Developing patience: watching a seed grow doesn't happen overnight!
- More interest in a varied diet: kids are often far more willing to taste what they've grown themselves
- Creating a simple family ritual that helps, among other things, to avoid reaching for screens
Where to start?
For a first gardening experience with kids, fresh herbs are ideal. They grow quickly, don't take up much space and are easy to use in the kitchen, which makes the experience even more concrete and satisfying for little ones.
The easiest herbs to grow with kids:
- Mint: hardy, fast and very rewarding; it practically grows on its own
- Basil: perfect for pizzas and pasta, and kids love recognizing its smell
- Chives: easy to sow and snip, ideal for topping eggs or a salad
- Parsley: grows well in a pot and is used in a multitude of recipes
- Cilantro: for families who like it, it sprouts quickly and smells great
How to start a little herb garden with the kids
No need for a big space or fancy equipment! Here's a simple step-by-step guide:
- Choose the containers: small terracotta pots, recycled tin cans or even cut-up milk cartons work just fine
- Prepare the soil: use a light all-purpose potting mix that's easy for little hands to handle
- Sow the seeds together: let the child poke the hole with their finger, drop in the seeds and cover them with soil, a simple and very satisfying moment
- Label the pots: a nice chance to practise writing while making the garden prettier
- Put the pots in the right spot: a sunny windowsill, a balcony or a corner of the yard; most herbs need at least 6 hours of sun a day
- Set up a watering routine: giving the child the responsibility of watering their plants every morning creates a lovely sense of pride
Bring the harvest into the kitchen
The real magic certainly happens at harvest time! Letting kids snip their own herbs to liven up a meal is often a source of great pride for them. So invite them to pick basil for a homemade pizza, chives to top an omelette or mint for a lemonade. When kids finally see the fruit of their labour on their plate, interest in vegetables and flavours often opens up naturally!
No need for a big garden, a house with a yard or a proven green thumb. A few pots, a little soil and a seed of curiosity are all it takes to start the adventure! 🌱
Put these tips into practice
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