What Are the Best Plants to Spark Kids’ Interest in Gardening?

One fun project is putting a bean in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel. It's a neat way to show how seeds sprout; kids find it fascinating! Plus, mimosa pudica (the sensitive plant) is super fun too, as it moves when touched.

In my experience, plants like corn, green beans (both bush and climbing), sunflowers, and even zucchini turn out to be crowd-pleasers with kids. And of course, strawberries are always a favorite. I’ve seen kids get really excited about growing and picking these!

One of my kids absolutely loved watching corn grow—it seemed to captivate them! And for flowers, we tried Portulacas, which turned out colorful and vibrant. It was a perfect fit for my little fairy enthusiast!

I've found that radishes are a hit because they grow so quickly—usually within 30 days! Plus, letting kids pick out flowers for pot arrangements can be really fun. This year I let mine choose a wild mix for our porch and they turned out amazing! Oh, and cherry tomatoes are a must; they tend to disappear right from the plant!