Gardening is a fun and educational activity for kids, and growing herbs indoors is a fantastic way to introduce them to the wonders of plants — even if you live in an apartment! Herbs are fast-growing, low-maintenance, and perfect for little hands to care for. Here are five easy herbs that kids will love to grow and use in the kitchen.
1. Basil
Basil is a colorful and fragrant herb that grows quickly, so kids get to see results fast! It loves sunlight, so place it on a sunny windowsill. Basil leaves are soft and fun to touch, and kids can help pick them to add fresh flavor to pasta or sandwiches.
2. Mint
Mint is very hardy and grows fast, making it perfect for impatient young gardeners. It spreads easily, so it’s best kept in its own pot. The cool, refreshing smell of mint leaves is fun for kids to crush and smell, plus it’s great for making iced tea or homemade lemonade.
3. Parsley
Parsley is easy to grow and adds a bright, fresh taste to many dishes. It doesn’t need as much sunlight as some other herbs, so it can thrive in less sunny spots. Kids can help by snipping the leaves and sprinkling them on their favorite foods.
4. Chives
Chives grow tall, thin leaves that look a bit like grass — kids love the unique shape! They are very easy to grow indoors and only need regular watering and sunlight. Chives add a mild onion flavor to meals, and kids enjoy snipping them with scissors.
5. Cilantro
Cilantro grows quickly and has a distinctive taste that many kids find interesting. It prefers cooler spots and needs plenty of sunlight, so a bright kitchen window is perfect. Cilantro is fun to grow for kids who enjoy cooking, especially for dishes like tacos and salads.
Tips to Help Kids Grow Herbs Successfully
- Let kids water the plants regularly but not too much — herbs like moist but not soggy soil.
- Teach them to check for sunlight and move plants if needed.
- Use colorful pots or decorate plain ones to make gardening more exciting.
- Encourage kids to smell, touch, and even taste the herbs to engage their senses.
- Celebrate their progress by using the herbs in family meals!
Growing herbs together is a wonderful way to spend quality time with kids while teaching responsibility and patience. Plus, nothing beats the pride of cooking with fresh herbs they’ve grown themselves! Ready to start your kid-friendly apartment herb garden? Grab some seeds and pots, and watch your little gardeners bloom!
