The best plants for children to grow are usually the ones they can pick and eat straight from the garden. Fast-growing, easy crops tend to hold their interest, especially when they can see results quickly and taste what they have grown.

Easy edible plants children enjoy growing

• Strawberries are an absolute must for anyone with children, with at least 20 plants to provide an ongoing harvest. 
• Sweet 100 tomatoes are another great choice, as children can harvest and eat them straight from the vine.
• Dwarf beans, peas, and celery are all easy to grow and simple for children to pick and taste in the garden.
• If there is enough room, a few raspberry canes will quickly provide fresh raspberries in early summer.
• Cucumbers and courgettes are fun to watch grow, especially as they can quickly see how much the fruit changes in size.

Fun plants for hands-on gardening

• Grow runner beans on a frame – get the children to plant their seeds (remember to label them) and have a competition to see who has the fastest-growing bean! 
• And no summer garden for children is complete without sunflowers. The giant growing varieties such as Kings Seeds ‘Sunflower Skyscraper’ are fascinating both for children and parents – you can get some helpful sowing and growing tips from our Sunflowers in Kindergartens Project resources here
   

Click here for more advice and activities for children in the garden.