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Home » Gardening Methods » Herb Gardening for Kids
Gardening is a timeless activity that brings families together, educates, and entertains. When it comes to introducing children to the wonders of the plant world, herb gardening is a fantastic way to start. Not only does it engage their senses from the fragrant leaves to the vibrant colors, but it also instills a sense of responsibility and pride as they watch their plants grow. This article will guide you through the process of creating an herb garden with your children, making each step fun and educational.
Tip: Selecting the best fence paint that is vibrant, can make the herb gardening space more inviting and fun for kids, stimulating their interest and engagement with the vibrant world of plants.
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Planning Your Herb Garden
Selecting the Right Location
Regular maintenance of the herb garden, including using tools like the best hedge trimmers, is where the real learning happens. Herbs thrive in areas that receive plenty of sunlight—at least six hours a day. Involve your kids in this process by using a compass or a sun-tracking app to find the perfect spot. This not only makes it fun but also sneaks in a lesson on the sun’s path and the importance of light for plant growth.
Choosing Herbs That Are Fun and Easy to Grow
When selecting herbs, consider what your family likes to eat or the scents you enjoy, like those used in herb gardening for tea.
In addition to the educational and fun aspects of gardening with children, incorporating elements of herb gardening for cooking can be a delightful way to teach kids about using fresh herbs in family meals, fostering a deeper appreciation for home-grown flavours.
Herbs such as mint, basil, and chives, complemented by garden maintenance tools like the best leaf blower vacuums, are not only aromatic and tasty but also hardy and easy to grow, making them perfect for young gardeners.. Create a table with your kids, listing the herbs and their characteristics, like this:
Herb | Scent | Use in Cooking | Care Level |
Mint | Fresh | Teas, salads | Easy |
Basil | Sweet | Pizzas, pastas | Moderate |
Chives | Onion-like | Toppings, dips | Easy |
Gardening Tools for Kids
Safe and Kid-Friendly Gardening Tools
Safety is paramount when gardening with kids, whether you’re engaging in herb gardening or exploring the colorful world of flowers. For a comprehensive guide on starting a flower garden that’s kid-friendly, check out our flower garden planting guide. Ensure you opt for tools that are the right size for little hands and without sharp edges, like trowels, spades, and watering cans in child-friendly versions. This is also a great opportunity to teach about tool care and organization—skills that will serve them well in any gardening endeavor.
Starting Your Herb Garden
Soil Preparation and Planting
The foundation of any good garden is the soil. With your kids, mix in compost or a kid-safe fertilizer to give your herbs a nutrient-rich start. If you’re also exploring vegetable gardening, check out our vegetable garden troubleshooting guide for tips on maintaining a healthy garden. Then, let the kids dig the holes and place the seeds or seedlings in the ground. This hands-on experience is invaluable and gives them a tangible connection to the natural world.
The Role of Water and Sunlight in Herb Growth
Teach your children about the needs of their new plants, just as you would explain the importance of proper care for tools like the best cordless lawn mowers.
Herb | Water Needs | Sunlight Requirements |
Mint | Moderate | Full sun to partial shade |
Basil | Consistent | Full sun |
Chives | Low | Full sun to partial shade |
Herb Garden Maintenance
Teaching Kids About Caring for Plants
Regular maintenance of the herb garden, including using tools like the best hedge trimmers, is where the real learning happens. Show your kids how to identify weeds and remove them gently. Discuss why plants need room to grow and how weeding helps. Also, introduce them to the concept of pruning and let them help with snipping dead leaves.
Making Weeding and Pruning a Family Activity
Turn maintenance tasks into a game. Who can spot the most weeds? Who can find the herb that needs pruning? This not only makes the work go faster but also keeps the kids engaged and eager to participate.
Harvesting Your Herbs
When and How to Harvest Herbs
Harvest time is exciting for kids as they get to see the results of their efforts. Teach them to harvest in the morning when the oils in the herbs are strongest. Show them how to cut herbs so that the plant can continue to grow, and let them collect the bounty in their own baskets.
Fun Ways to Involve the Whole Family
Harvesting isn’t just about gathering the herbs; it’s about enjoying them together. Plan a family meal where everyone picks an herb to contribute. Mint for drinks, basil for the salad, chives for the potatoes—the possibilities are endless and delicious.
Educational Activities in the Herb Garden
Learning about Herb Uses and Benefits
Herbs are not just for cooking; they have medicinal properties and have been used in natural remedies for centuries. Create a table with your children to learn about the different uses of each herb:
Herb | Culinary Use | Medicinal Benefit |
Mint | Refreshing drinks | Aids digestion |
Basil | Flavorful pesto | Anti-inflammatory |
Chives | Tasty garnish | Boosts immunity |
Fun Games to Play in the Herb Garden
Turn learning into play with games like “Name That Herb,” where kids use their senses to identify herbs blindfolded. Another game could be “Herb Match-Up,” where kids match the herb to its use or benefit.
Cooking with Home-Grown Herbs
Simple Recipes for Kids Using Garden Herbs
Cooking with herbs is a great way to get kids excited about the food they eat. Start with simple recipes like mint-infused water or basil-topped pizza. Encourage your kids to be creative and come up with their own herb-inspired dishes.
The Fun of Tasting What You Grow
There’s nothing quite like the taste of something you’ve grown yourself. Organize a family taste test with different herbs to educate your kids’ palates and get them thinking about flavors.
Crafts and Projects with Herbs
Making Herbal Sachets and Potpourri
Herbs can be used in a variety of crafts. Guide your children in making their own herbal sachets with dried lavender or mint. These can be used to freshen up drawers or as homemade gifts.
Pressing and Drying Herbs for Art Projects
Drying herbs is not only practical for cooking but can also be used in art. Show your kids how to press and dry herbs to create bookmarks or add to paintings for a touch of nature.
The Science Behind Herb Gardening
Understanding Photosynthesis and Plant Biology
Use the herb garden as a classroom to teach your kids about photosynthesis and how plants grow. Simple experiments, like changing the amount of water or light, can show the impact of environmental factors on plant health.
Fun Experiments with Herbs
Engage your kids with experiments like regrowing herbs from cuttings or testing the effects of different soil types. This hands-on approach makes learning about science fun and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mint, basil, and chives are among the easiest herbs to grow, making them perfect for young gardeners.
Incorporate lessons on plant biology, the importance of sunlight and water, and the uses of herbs in cooking and medicine.
Yes, with indoor gardening techniques, you can grow herbs all year, providing ongoing learning opportunities.
In crafting this two-part article, we’ve covered a wide range of topics to help you and your children embark on an herb gardening adventure. From the basics of planting and care to the advanced topics of cooking, crafts, and science, we’ve provided a roadmap for a journey that’s as educational as it is enjoyable.
Remember, the goal is not just to grow herbs but to cultivate curiosity and a love for nature in your children. So, get out there and plant the seeds of knowledge and watch as they grow into lifelong learners.

Eleanor is the quintessential spirit of the British gardener — passionate, dedicated, and endlessly curious about the natural world. Born and raised amidst the verdant landscapes of the Cotswolds, she developed an early love for the outdoors, often spending hours in the family garden with her hands buried in the soil, nurturing every type of plant she could find.