Flowers, such as sunflowers (added bonus with sunflower- kids love a HUGE they get!), can be started in small pots and sprouts can grow on their window sills. They will love the changes they see almost daily with the right choices! When the plants get large enough and are ready for transplant, the kids can help transfer to the garden or container. You can also make a nice gift with your flowers, and the kids will beam with pride!

Top Flower picks:

Sunflower* - also check out dwarf varieties!

Marigold - Companion plant with tomatoes!

Pansy

Lavender

California Poppy

Zinnias*

Nasturtiums

Black Eyed Susan*

Dahlia*

* Attracts butterflies and humming birds!

You and the kids will not only enjoy growing your organic garden, but also eating it too! Kids who grow it, are much more likely to enjoy eating it. Just by adding your own garden's organic vegetables and fruits to your child's diet will improve their nutrition, decrease obesity risk, improve their digestion and increase their school performance and sleep. Hook your kids on vegetable & fruit gardening with can't-fail varieties that are fun and easy to plant and harvest with several to choose from:

Tomatoes (especially cherry tomatoes!)
Peppers
Cabbage
Carrots
Radish
Cucumbers
Squash and Zucchini
Snap Peas
Potatoes
Berries including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries

Some vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage and radish are available in several colors that add extra interest for kids!

Getting kids in the garden this day in age can be a challenge. Start be piquing their instrest with some of the super fun plants. A few of the plants listed below take a little longer to start producing, but they totally make up for in fun!
Venus Fly Trap
Sensitive Plant
Herbs such as 'Chocolate Peppermint" mint and dill
Pumpkins & Gourds
Lambs ear
Bunny Tails
Cotton
Snap Dragons
Ground Cherry
Peanuts

Watch plants miraculously re-grow themselves!
Celery, Romaine Lettuce, garlic, carrot greens, basil, scallions, bok choy, onions, ginger, and mushrooms.
Safety Tip! Be sure there are no sharp tools, fertilizers, pesticides or manure within reach of children at any time.

Danger lurks in a backyard garden... Insect pests are preying on your vegetables and flowers. What do you do? Assemble the troops! Most kids enjoy the sight of beneficial bugs in a garden, especially if they know they're special garden plants are being defended! Introducing these bugs to the garden will help you create a biologically balanced garden (teachable moment alert!) and get rid of those pesky critters without the use of harsh and dangerous chemicals.

Lady Bugs
Beneficial Nematodes (kids can't see these microscopic bugs, but will definitely enjoy the results of their presence)
Praying mantis
Green Lacewing