Getting Started with a Herb Garden: A Fun and Easy Guide for Kids

Spring is the perfect time to introduce children to the joys of gardening. One of the simplest ways to get started is by creating a herb garden together. Herbs are low-maintenance, quick to grow, and versatile for cooking, making them an ideal first gardening experience for kids.

Why Start with a Herb Garden?

Herb gardens are a great introduction to gardening because they are:

• Easy to Grow: Most herbs are resilient and thrive with minimal care, making them perfect for beginners, especially children.
• Perfect for Small Spaces: Even if you don’t have a yard, herbs can be grown in pots, containers, or small raised beds, making them a great option for urban families with limited space.
• Useful for Everyday Cooking: Your kids will love picking fresh herbs to use in family meals like pizza night or salads, adding their special touch to the food.

Let Your Kids Choose Their Herbs

One of the best parts of gardening with children is letting them explore their preferences. Head to your local nursery and let them pick out the herbs they find interesting. Basil, mint, parsley, and chives are great options for beginners as they grow quickly and are versatile in the kitchen.

Tip: While starting from seeds is fun, beginning with established plants is often easier for herbs. They can take a while to germinate and grow, therefore as an introduction to gardening established herbs help to reduce frustration and keeps their enthusiasm going with faster results.

Set Up Your Herb Garden

Whether you have a big backyard or a small balcony, there’s always space for a herb garden. You can plant your herbs in containers, pots, or even a window box. If space allows, give your child a special area of their own to tend to.

Planting Time

Once you’ve picked your herbs and chosen a planting space, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Show your kids how to gently remove the herb plants from their containers and plant them in soil. It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly—gardening is all about learning and experimenting together!

Soil Needs:

Most herbs thrive in well-draining soil, meaning it holds moisture but doesn't stay too wet. A good potting mix for herbs can usually be found at your local garden centre. You can also mix in a bit of sand for Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender, as they prefer drier conditions.

Sunlight Requirements:

Herbs generally love sunlight! Aim to plant them where they’ll get 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. If you’re working with indoor spaces or small urban gardens, a sunny windowsill or balcony works great.

Watering:

Herbs need water, but not too much. A good rule of thumb is to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer drier soil, while herbs like basil and mint appreciate more regular watering.

Pro Tip: Don’t stress too much about which herbs work well together—it’s okay to mix and match! If you do want to take it a step further, you can look up which herbs work best together. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme are great companions because they share similar needs.

Gardening is About Learning (and Making Mistakes)

Gardening is a wonderful way to teach children that making mistakes is okay! Sometimes plants won’t grow, and other times they’ll flourish unexpectedly. This is a valuable life lesson about patience, resilience, and problem-solving. Encourage your children to observe what happens in their garden and try new things if something isn’t working.

Incorporate Herbs into Cooking Adventures

Once your herbs start growing, it’s time to use them in the kitchen! Fresh herbs can transform meals and give kids a sense of pride in contributing to family dinners. Let them snip some basil for pasta, sprinkle parsley on salads, or use rosemary and thyme on pizza night!

Enjoy the Journey

Gardening with children is about more than just growing plants. It’s an opportunity to foster connection, build patience, and create lasting memories. Remember, it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly. The best part is spending time together, nurturing something, and watching it grow.

Now is the perfect season to start! So grab your little ones, choose some herbs, and get planting. Your kitchen (and your family) will thank you for it.