Tips and Tricks for Helping Young Children Grow Their Own Herb Garden

At Imagine Early Education and Childcare, we know that children thrive when they get hands-on experiences with the world around them. One of our favorite ways to connect children with nature—and healthy eating—is by planting and caring for a mini herb garden!

Herb gardens are perfect for little hands: they grow quickly, smell amazing, and can even be tasted! Plus, gardening builds patience, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you have a backyard, a patio, or just a sunny windowsill, your child can grow something special.

Here are our favorite tips and tricks to get started:

🌱 Why Herbs?

Herbs are one of the best beginner plants for young children. They’re:

• Easy to grow indoors or outdoors
• Fast-growing and rewarding to harvest
• Great for sensory learning—smell, touch, and taste!
• Useful in the kitchen—hello, little chefs!

🧒 Getting Kids Involved (And Excited!)

Before you even plant a seed, involve your child in the planning process:

• Let them choose 2–3 herbs to grow. Good starter herbs include basil, mint, chives, parsley, or thyme.
• Talk about how herbs are used—in soups, teas, sandwiches, or even homemade pizza!
• Read a garden-themed book together like “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert or “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” by Kate Messner.

🪴 Simple Steps to Start a Kid-Friendly Herb Garden

1. Pick the Right Spot

Choose a sunny spot—herbs love light! A windowsill, porch, or balcony works great. No outdoor space? No problem! Herbs grow wonderfully in pots or small containers indoors.

2. Use Small Pots or Recycled Containers

Get creative with containers:

• Reuse yogurt cups, egg cartons, or mason jars (just add drainage holes!)
• Let kids decorate their pots with markers, stickers, or paint

3. Choose Easy-to-Grow Herbs

Start with:

• 🌿 Basil – Grows fast and smells sweet
• 🌿 Mint – Hardy and great for teas or water
• 🌿 Chives – Fun to snip with kid-safe scissors
• 🌿 Parsley – A leafy favorite that adds a pop of green

4. Watering 101

Teach your child to gently water their plants. Use a small cup or spray bottle so they don’t overdo it. Help them check if the soil feels dry before watering—this is a great sensory experience!

5. Watch It Grow!

Make it a daily routine:

• Check the soil
• Talk about how the plants look or smell
• Take pictures or draw the growth in a “plant journal”

🧑‍🍳 Harvest and Taste Together

When the herbs are ready, celebrate with a simple recipe:

• Add mint to water or fruit salad
• Sprinkle chives on scrambled eggs
• Mix basil into pasta or pizza
• Use parsley in a sandwich or wrap

Let your child taste what they grew—it’s a magical moment when they realize they made it happen!

🌼 Keep the Learning Growing

Gardening with kids teaches:

• Responsibility: “It’s your job to water today!”
• Science skills: “Why do plants need sun?”
• Healthy eating habits: “Let’s taste our herbs!”
• Patience: “Good things take time to grow.”

At Imagine, we often bring planting activities into the classroom to connect lessons to nature. You can continue that learning at home with your own herb garden adventure!

💡 Bonus Ideas:

• Start a garden journal with photos and plant drawings
• Label each pot with your child’s name and the herb
• Try growing one new herb each season to keep the excitement going

At Imagine Early Education and Childcare, we believe small hands can make a big difference—especially when it comes to nurturing life and learning. An herb garden is a wonderful way to grow your child’s confidence, curiosity, and connection to nature.

Happy planting🌿