You might already be feeling the approach of spring, depending on where you live, but sadly, here in Eastern Canada, there are still piles of snow taking up most of the land, and very little greenery. Maybe that’s why just thinking about spring and planning spring activities makes me smile. 

If you love plants and flowers and do not mind getting your hands a little dirty, I strongly recommend gardening with your kids.

It is an ideal hobby to get into with your little ones, as it does not require classes and can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home – without breaking the bank. And most importantly, seeing your kids’ anticipation and that joyful moment of the harvest is a precious experience.

You do not need to have a spacious garden in your yard. Even if you live in an apartment in the middle of the city, any sunlit space where you can find a home for a small plant box and some pots will do, and it will bring so much joy to little kids to experience the joy of gardening. 

What to plant?

Follow your family’s interests. There are many vegetables and flowers that grow well even in pots. 

If you and your kids like to cook, then plant something edible like tomatoes, grape or cherry tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, squash, cabbage, celery, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, swiss chard, radishes or parsley.

If your family loves flowers, try African daisies, Angelonia, Begonias, Geraniums, or Gerbera daisies.  

Things to prepare: 

gardening soil (50% soil, 50% compost), planter box or pots, gardening gloves, watering can, garden trowel, seeds

Seeds and time to plant for cool to warm season vegetables

1. Spinach 
   
   

Temperature: 8-25°C/46-77°F

Planting method: 

• Soak seeds for around 13 hours to germinate ahead of planting. 

• Pour the gardening soil into the pot, leaving 1-2 inches of room from the top.

• Spread seed sparsely over the soil, cover with a thin layer of soil, and press gently with your hands.

• Water right away.
  
  

Care: Keep the soil moist at all times. It will germinate in about 4-5 days. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist. 

Harvest: Cut individual leaves at the stem starting with outer leaves first, or harvest the whole head depending on your need.

2. Lettuce
   
   

Temperature: 5-25°C / 41-77°F

Planting method: Use a seedling tray and then transfer to a pot when the head is 2-3 inches tall (Make sure to water them well before transferring).

Planting: Dig 1-inch hole, insert the roots and cover with soil, pressing the soil firmly with your hand. You can plant the heads around 10 inches apart from one another. Make sure to keep the soil moist at all times.

Care: Once a week, poke around the soil to loosen it; this helps the roots to spread.

Harvest: You will be able to harvest after around 2 weeks by picking individual leaves. Once the heads reach maturity, you can use a knife to harvest the whole head of lettuce.

3. Tomatoes
   
   

Temperature: 5-28°C / 41-82°F

Planting method: Planting tomatoes from seed is not easy. It takes about 10 days’ care, leaving the planted seeds outside for them to adjust to the outdoor environment. 

Instead, I recommend using pre-sprouted tomato plants that are ready to transplant. Dig a hole in the soil deep enough for the roots to be fully embedded in the soil. After covering with soil, press firmly with your hands. Water right away and keep the soil moist at all times.

To prevent pests from harming the plant and fruits, mix 2 tbsp of liquid dish soap with 1 qt of water and spray directly onto the plant.