Parents: Kids Growing Veggies Build Serious Life Skills

When you think about the rewards of growing vegetables with your kids, it’s hard not to smile. Yes, you get to enjoy the bounty of your harvest, but nurturing vegetables to grow does so much more. It builds patience, responsibility and confidence in your child in a way that feels like play. Plus, gardening gives kids a hands-on lesson in where vegetables actually come from. And, when they grow their own, they’re more likely to fill their plate with these nutrient-dense wonders.

Pick a spot and start growing

Grab the kids and spend a few hours on a weekend afternoon mixing soil and planting seeds. Pick a spot that’s easy to water, and let your little gardeners do the rest. Soon they’ll be checking on tiny sprouts and dreaming about tomatoes, sugar snap peas, plump zucchini, and more fresh veggies for the table.

Don’t overthink this! Square foot gardening is one simple option that’s become a fan favorite. Inspired by Mel Bartholomew, this method helps you grow more in less space with just a few basics: a planting box, seeds, and soil mix. Even if you think you don’t have a green thumb, it’s hard to go wrong—just give it a try!

Need more inspiration

Since Mel Bartholomew is the inventor of the Square Foot Gardening™ method, his foundation is a great place to start. Here you’ll find soil recipes, blogs, newsletters, courses, and other resources, including school programs. Learn more at squarefootgardening.com.

Here’s to growing veggies … and life skills!

Lorna & Kathleen (The EatingFor Team)

P.S. Like this tip? For more, check out Eating for A’s: A month-by-month nutrition and lifestyle guide to help raise smarter kids. Kindergarten to 6th grade. (Second Edition)