by Lyn Lomasi

Kids can garden, too!
It might seem that gardening is too complicated for kids, but that isn't true at all. In fact, kids can be some good horticulturists if given the chance.

There are plants that grow well in Houston and are easy for kids to garden and maintain. Start kids out in gardening with the easiest plants and let them work their way up from there. 

Before getting your Houston kids gardening, be sure they have the essential supplies. Suggested gardening supplies include tools, gloves, proper soil and food for the plants, a child-sized wheelbarrow and desired garden decorations. Houston soil is more like clay, so good garden soil is recommended for the best results.

Sunflowers
Sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers for kids to start out with. They come in various sizes, making them versatile to grow, no matter the size of the garden bed. Sunflowers thrive in the warm Houston climate.

Portulaca
Portucala, also known as moss rose, is a fun and interesting plant for the kids to grow. The unique shape and texture of this flower delight kids, as do the colors. Portulaca is a good flower to grow in Houston because it blossoms in the sun.

Vinca
Vinca are a favorite of my own kids. These were some of the first flowers they planted in Houston and they continue to come up each year. Not only are Vinca beautiful, but they grow very fast in Houston. Kids can sometimes be a little impatient, so Vinca can help in that area. Our vincas bloom almost the entire year in Houston because of the favorable weather.

Herbs
Herbs are very simple to grow in most any climate. They can be grown outdoors or in a window box container. Herbs need good sunlight to grow, which makes them perfect for Houston. It can make kids feel special when their parents use the herbs they've grown to make family meals.

Chives
Chives often grow wild in Houston, but if your yard doesn't have any, this is one of the simplest plants for kids to grow. Like the herbs, chives can grow outside or in a window box. Give the chives plenty of water and sunshine for the best results. As with the herbs, kids love it when their chive plants are used in the cooking. We like to use them in homemade salsa, chili, and other Tex-Mex dishes.