Creating a herb garden w/ a small child?

dragonlily

Hi, everybody. I have a garden but know zero about gardening as it is just grass and shrubs.

However, I'd like to teach my daughter about how things grow. I also love cooking and buy cut fresh herbs from the shops a lot. I was thinking maybe this year we could create a herb garden together.

Does anybody have any hints, tips or links to useful resources for a project like that?

x

Mojisola

You could start in a small way with herb plants in pots. There are lots of different kinds of mints, chives are very easy, as are thyme, marjoram and basil. Pot marigolds would add some colour in the summer.

If you're starting with a little one and herbs, she will get used to picking and tasting the leaves. Make sure she realises that not all plants are safe to nibble on.

Helen2k8

Rosemary and lavender are pretty indestructible once they're going, also lovely flowers/for bees.
Don't be tempted to plant out the living herbs from the supermarket - they are "forced" indoors and wouldn't survive outside.
There are often cheap and colourful packets of kids' seeds in garden centres, worth a look? Sunflowers would blow her mind

http://www.sweethappylife.com/2012/activities/toddler-games-activities/plant-a-toddler-snacking-garden/ looks cute

markandkate

You can usually get a pack of mixed herbs from Poundland

rum1

I have found it better over the years to buy small plants then grow on Rosemary is great and hardy Sage grows very quick and has lasted 3 winters now. If planting mint do this in a container as it can take over the garden. Garlic is also good but takes a long time to grow mine usually 10 months before we can use it......Try local garden center they usually do good deals on small herb plants but you need to grow for a year or 2 to get a harvest..Nearly forgot you can grow Basil in a pot

youngie

try your local freecycle for plants

dragonlily

Thanks so much everybody for taking the time to respond

I am feeling quite excited about this little project now!

There are often cheap and colourful packets of kids' seeds in garden centres, worth a look? Sunflowers would blow her mind

Ooooh sunflowers sound like really good fun!

x

Ms_Chocaholic

Not sure how old your daughter is, but could you buy some cress seeds as they grow quickly and might keep your daughter's interest

Air_Cooled_75

Cress is a good idea, grow it in an eggshell and draw a little face on it

Mojisola

Air_Cooled_75 wrote: »

Cress is a good idea, grow it in an eggshell and draw a little face on it

Like these - https://www.allfreecrafts.com/easter/egg-heads.shtml

I'd also think of things like wild strawberries - finding the tiny strawberries is a delight for little ones.

Air_Cooled_75

Haha, that's exactly it going to try this with my own LO. I remember doing broad beans in a coffee jar at primary school too...