Couldnt load pickup availability This seed pack contains our favorite varieties for kids. All of these are simple to grow and safe for little hands. Plus, most of them bear fruit early, which is great for kids who haven’t quite learned to wait their turn. We include a lot of root crops that grow quickly, as well as some very popular vegetables, a pack of different colored lettuce, and two easy annual flower choices. When you buy this item, you’ll also get one packet of each of the things below at a lower price. It’s also possible to order them one at a time by clicking on each item in the list.
Gardening is a wonderful hands-on activity for students of all ages. Caring for plants teaches responsibility, patience, and nurturing. Watching seeds sprout and grow introduces kids to the magic of nature and biology. And eating fresh veggies grown by their own hands connects them to their food source!
However, some seeds can be tricky for student garden projects. Long germination times lead to bored kids. Fussy care requirements result in neglected plants. And crops that take months to mature lose student interest.
The key is choosing easy-to-grow seeds that are rewarding for students to plant Quickly sprouting seeds that become established plants within weeks keep kids engaged, Here are some top recommendations for student gardening along with tips for success
Fast Germinating Vegetable Seeds
Edible plants allow students to enjoy the fruits of their labor quite literally! And crops that quickly progress from seed to sprout to harvest retain student attention.
Some of the fastest sprouting and maturing vegetable seeds for student gardens include:
Radishes – Ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks, radishes are hugely gratifying for kids. Plus they come in fun shapes, colors, and flavors like ‘Easter Egg’ radishes. Sow seed clusters in the garden 1⁄2 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Make successive plantings every week for a continuous crop.
Lettuces – Crisphead, leaf, and oakleaf lettuces can be harvested as baby greens in 4-5 weeks. Or wait 7-8 weeks for full size heads. Direct sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in rows or clusters, thinning to 6 inches apart when plants are 3 inches tall.
Spinach – A fast grower that bolts quickly in warm weather, spinach thrives in cool conditions. Start 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost for best results. Sow seeds 1⁄2 inch deep, 2 inches apart in rows or blocks. Harvest outer leaves as needed.
Peas – Nothing beats sweet peas right from the vine! The quickest types are ‘Extra Early’ and ‘Little Marvel’, maturing in just 60 days. Sow 1 inch deep, 1 inch apart along trellises or other supports. Pick pods regularly to keep plants producing.
Green onions – Also called scallions or bunching onions, these onion varieties grow rapidly from seed. Plant 1⁄2 inch deep, 2 inches apart in rows or blocks. Start harvesting green tops in as little as 3-4 weeks.
Herbs – Many popular herbs grow quickly from seed, including cilantro (3 weeks), dill (3 weeks), basil (4 weeks), chives (4-6 weeks) and parsley (6-8 weeks). Herbs let kids season their own food with flavor they grew themselves!
Fast Flowering Annuals
Blooming annual flowers provide early satisfaction compared to most perennials. And they fit easily into classroomcurriculum on plant lifecycles. Some fast growing annuals include:
Marigolds – Cheerful flowers bloom 6-8 weeks after sowing seed. Plant marigold varieties like ‘Petite’, ‘Durango’, and ‘Queen Sophia’ for quick color.
Zinnias – Easy to grow from seed, zinnias begin flowering in 8-10 weeks in warm weather. Direct sow after the last spring frost. Keep soil moist for quick emergence.
Cosmos – This carefree annual lights up gardens with flowers in as little as 10-12 weeks. Sow seeds directly in soil after danger of frost. No need to cover the large seeds. Thin to 8-12 inches apart.
Sunflowers – Giant sunflower varieties take the longest, but dwarf and medium types flower quickly. Sow 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Protect seedlings from birds and squirrels!
Morning Glories – These fast growing climbers produce flowers in 8-10 weeks. Soak seeds overnight to speed sprouting. Provide a trellis for vines to climb.
Nasturtiums – Edible flowers and leaves are ready to harvest in about 8 weeks. Sow 1⁄2 inch deep and 10 inches apart after the last spring frost. Keep soil moist.
Tips for Success with Student Gardens
Follow these simple guidelines to ensure your student planting projects result in positive growing experiences:
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Start seeds at the appropriate time – Pay close attention to ideal planting times for your region and weather conditions. Time plantings for optimal germination.
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Provide extra water – Seeds and seedlings need consistently moist soil. Water thoroughly after planting and provide regular watering until plants are established.
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Give adequate sunlight – Place seeds and young plants in the sunniest school window or garden spot. Most require at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
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Use quality potting mix – Avoid heavy garden soils that can suffocate tender roots. Use lightweight seed starting mix for sprouting seeds, and rich potting soil for transplanting.
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Fertilize regularly – Apply diluted liquid fertilizer or compost/worm tea weekly once seedlings emerge. This ensures lush, healthy growth.
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Monitor for pests – Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids, cabbage worms, slugs, etc. Address any issues promptly to avoid major damage.
Enjoy the Rewards of Student Gardening
One of the best ways to engage kids of all ages in gardening is to select seeds that sprout, grow, and produce quickly compared to slower-growing types. The right seeds provide early success to keep students enthusiastic about nurturing the plants through harvest.
Make this spring a fun, hands-on learning experience by planting a student garden with some of these fast-growing seeds. The sense of accomplishment students gain from sowing seeds and enjoying the fruits of their labor is a lesson that will last a lifetime!
What fast-growing seeds have you successfully planted with students? Share your top recommendations in the comments!
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Couldnt load pickup availability This seed pack contains our favorite varieties for kids. All of these are simple to grow and safe for little hands. Plus, most of them bear fruit early, which is great for kids who haven’t quite learned to wait their turn. We include a lot of root crops that grow quickly, as well as some very popular vegetables, a pack of different colored lettuce, and two easy annual flower choices. When you buy this item, you’ll also get one packet of each of the things below at a lower price. It’s also possible to order them one at a time by clicking on each item in the list.
Fast & Easy Seed Germination: How to Start Seedlings from Paper Towel Method (Container vs Baggie)
What are the best seeds to grow in a classroom?
5. Cress: Cress seeds are some of the fastest germinating seeds available, with sprouts appearing as early as three days after planting! These seeds require minimal care and can even be grown on a windowsill or paper towels, making them perfect for classrooms with little-to-no gardening space.
What seeds can kids plant in their own garden?
Discover 25 fast-growing seeds perfect for kids to plant in their own garden. From vibrant marigolds to delicious cherry tomatoes, this article provides planting instructions, germination times, and valuable tips for successful gardening with children.
How to choose easy seeds for children?
Easy seeds for children are larger for little fingers to handle and germinate fast so there is less waiting time. Children should be involved in all parts of the gardening process, including preparing the garden space or choosing containers. To avoid children’s boredom, choose fast growing seeds for kids.
What can you do with students and seed projects?
Those are only a few things you can do with students and seed projects. Fast-growing seeds make great projects for school and you can use them in science and math! Seed planting is a fantastic way to measure the growth in plants each day. As teachers we need to plan a week in advance, so nobody has time to think a month ahead to plant seeds.