Yard-to-Table: Kids Edition

Growing kid-friendly plants that do double duty in the kitchen can make gardening feel less like a chore and more like a game. Planting a garden with your child is a great way to introduce more fresh fruits and vegetables to your family’s diet and may even save on trips to the grocery store. Plants that are hardy and low maintenance are best for young gardeners. Choose edible options that are fast-growing and kid-safe. For example, your clan may love rhubarb pie, but rhubarb leaves are poisonous and aren’t a good choice for your family garden. To find ideas for what to plant, look no further than your family’s favorite foods. Try one of these food-themed planting lists in your garden.

Pizza Garden Plant List

  • Plum tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Flat-leaf parsley

Snack Time Plant List

  • Carrots
  • Sunflowers
  • Celery
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Popcorn corn

Super Salad Plant List

  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Onions
  • Heirloom tomatoes
  • Radishes
  • Cucumbers
  • Carrots

Garden Safety Tips

  1. Set ground rules. No eating anything unless an adult says it’s okay.
  2. Keep sharp tools out of tiny hands until children are old enough to use them responsibly.
  3. Supervise garden time carefully to keep children from wandering off or getting hurt.

Download Portneuf HealthWise Publication From Health Wise — Spring 2015 Download the full publication.