The Best Thing to Grow with Children? It’s What They Love to Eat!

When introducing children to gardening, the question I’m often asked is: “What’s the best thing to grow?” Many assume the answer is fast-growing vegetables like radishes or cress. While they may offer quick results, the real secret lies in growing what children love to eat.

Starting with familiar favourites like strawberries, cherry tomatoes, peas, and potatoes not only makes the process more exciting but also increases the chances of children sticking with it. They’re more likely to engage, nurture the plants, and feel a greater sense of reward when they can eat something they’ve grown themselves.

Gardening is a fantastic way to promote healthy eating habits. When children are involved in planting and growing food, they become more interested in trying new fruits and vegetables. It turns healthy food from something they “have to eat” into something they’re proud to share.

This also helps foster a connection to where food comes from. Kids begin to understand that food doesn't just appear on supermarket shelves. It involves effort, care, and time—which leads to a greater appreciation and less waste.

You can also use growing as a way to explore global flavours. Try growing herbs like basil or mint, or experiment with cultural crops like courgettes or chillies (for the brave!). The key is tapping into their curiosity and taste buds.

So, the best thing to grow with kids? It’s not what grows the fastest—it’s what they love the most. When they’re excited to eat it, they’ll be excited to grow it. That’s the start of a lifelong love for gardening and good food.