When it comes to gardening, children are naturals. They aren’t afraid of getting dirty (in fact, most kids love playing in the dirt), and they’re genuinely curious and learn best by doing things for themselves. Gardening with your little ones is a great way to teach them about the cycle of life, while giving them the chance to care and nurture for something over time.

Children also experience great satisfaction with the end results of caring for their very own garden, while you can use the opportunity to start teaching them about environmental awareness. There are many easy-to-grow vegetables and fruits that children can care for in their very own garden.
Sunflowers
A child’s garden is not complete without a sunflower or two. Since sunflowers are large and take up quite a bit of room, it’s wise to avoid planting too many. Sunflowers begin to sprout within the first week, growing into a small seedling by the second week. After about a month’s time, they should be about two feet tall.
By the second month, the buds will blossom, much to your children’s delight. Sunflowers fair best when planted directly in the sun. Once the seeds have dried in the late summer sun, you can roast them for snacks, as well as save some for next year’s garden.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a fun plant for children to care for. They fair best when planted on a small hill, where they will receive lots of sunlight. Try not to plant too many seeds too close together — this can affect how well your child’s pumpkin vine will grow.
Pumpkins take approximately 4 months to harvest, and are a delight to watch grow. If your vines are planted anywhere near elevated objects (such as other plants, stakes, or a tree), they will latch on with their tendrils and ’pull’ themselves up along the object, in order to get closer to the sun to soak up more rays.
This is an interesting process for children and adults to observe. At the end of the season, your children will have their own pumpkins to pick and turn into jack-o-lanterns (or bake into pies). The seeds can be roasted and seasoned for a healthy snack, or set aside to plant next season.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a relatively easy root plant to grow. Simply take an already mature potato, cut into pieces, and plant in the ground. Let your children pick whether they want to grow the red or white variety.
Red potatoes tend to grow faster, and children seem to prefer them. Each piece that you plant should contain at least two eyes, and should be planted in furrows approximately 12- 15 inches apart.
The soil should be mounded up around the plant as it grows; when the plant collapses, it’s time for the potatoes to be harvested.
There are many plants that are simple and easy for children to maintain in their own garden. Overall, keeping a garden with your children can be an enjoyable and educational experience.

Source: GO Media - written by BY CHRIS KEENAN - Image Credit: slickchick170