Field crops like popcorn, pumpkins, gourds, and watermelons take up considerable space in the garden but kids love 'em. Get the popcorn planted in late March or early April and be sure to amend the soil with adequate fertilizer or manure since popcorn requires lots of nitrogen for a good yield. Raised bed hills thinned to 4 to 6 plants are a good way to grow this crop. Most children like cherry tomatoes and many varieties are available but early maturing types are best for the impatient gardener. A few flowers around the child's vegetable garden is a good idea.
Giant sunflowers are always a hit.
And for perennials, daylilies, coreopsis, and black-eyed Susans are ideal. Encourage creativity and experimentation. Most seasoned gardeners know that good gardening practice is learned through trial and error. So let's introduce the next generation, to the best hobby in the world. Home Page Updated Feb, 2001.