As the days get shorter and the weather cools down, many people think the gardening season is over—but it doesn’t have to be! Fall is a great time to introduce kids to cold-weather crops, hardy vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures. By planting late in the season, your little gardeners can enjoy fresh, homegrown veggies well into the fall and even early winter.
Here’s a guide to some easy, kid-friendly vegetables to grow in the cooler months and how to get started.
What Are Cold-Weather Crops?
Cold-weather crops are vegetables that can handle chillier temperatures and even light frosts. Unlike summer plants like tomatoes or peppers, these crops actually prefer cool weather, making them perfect for late fall gardening. Plus, they grow quickly, so kids won’t have to wait long to see the results of their hard work.
Let’s take a look at some of the best cold-weather vegetables to plant with your kids.
- Kale: The Superfood That Loves the Cold
Kale is one of the hardiest vegetables out there, thriving in cool temperatures and even tasting sweeter after a light frost! It’s a great leafy green that kids can easily grow and pick for salads, smoothies, or as a side dish.
- How to Plant: Kale can be direct-seeded into the garden or started indoors and transplanted. It grows best in well-drained soil, about ¼ to ½ inch deep.
- Care: Make sure to water it regularly, but don’t let the soil get too soggy. Kale grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
- Kid Fun: Have your kids pick the outer leaves for harvesting, leaving the inner leaves to grow. They’ll enjoy watching how the plant keeps growing more greens even after they’ve picked some!
- Spinach: Fast-Growing and Flavorful
Spinach is another cool-weather favorite that grows fast, making it perfect for eager young gardeners. It can handle a bit of frost and is a versatile green that can be used in salads, soups, or even sneaked into dishes like lasagna.
- How to Plant: Sow spinach seeds directly in the garden about ½ inch deep. Space the seeds about 3 inches apart to give them room to grow.
- Care: Spinach grows best in full sun to partial shade and likes well-drained soil. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater.
- Kid Fun: Spinach grows quickly—your kids can start picking baby spinach leaves in just a few weeks! They’ll love how fast they can go from planting to eating.
- Carrots: Sweet and Crunchy
Carrots might take a bit longer to grow, but they are one of the most rewarding crops for kids. They’re sweet, colorful, and fun to pull from the ground once they’re ready. Plus, carrots actually get sweeter when grown in cooler weather.
- How to Plant: Plant carrot seeds directly in the garden about ¼ inch deep. Space them about 2 inches apart in rows.
- Care: Carrots need loose, well-drained soil to grow long and straight. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Kid Fun: Have your kids guess how long their carrots are before pulling them from the soil—it’s always a fun surprise to see how much they’ve grown!
- Radishes: A Quick and Easy Harvest
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, often ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Their quick growth and crunchy texture make them a great addition to the fall garden, especially for kids who might be a bit impatient!
- How to Plant: Sow radish seeds directly in the garden about ½ inch deep and space them about an inch apart.
- Care: Radishes grow best in full sun with regular watering. Make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
- Kid Fun: Radishes are a great way to introduce kids to harvesting—just a few weeks after planting, they can pull them up and enjoy the crunchy, colorful results.
- Lettuce: A Garden Staple for Cool Weather
Lettuce is another fast-growing, cool-weather crop that’s perfect for fall. There are many varieties of lettuce, so your kids can pick the one they like best—whether it’s crunchy romaine, leafy green, or red-tinted varieties.
- How to Plant: Lettuce can be direct-seeded into the garden or started indoors and transplanted. Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep and space them 4-6 inches apart.
- Care: Lettuce grows best in full sun but can tolerate a bit of shade. Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
- Kid Fun: Your kids can harvest lettuce leaves as they grow, just like kale. It’s a fun way to involve them in making their own fresh salads!
- Peas: Climbing Veggies for a Fall Snack
Peas are a cool-weather crop that can grow in the fall as long as there’s no heavy frost. Kids love the sweet taste of fresh peas right off the vine, and they can help set up trellises or stakes for the peas to climb.
- How to Plant: Sow pea seeds directly in the garden about 1 inch deep. Space them about 2 inches apart and provide something for them to climb.
- Care: Peas need full sun and regular watering. Make sure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.
- Kid Fun: Kids can help harvest peas by picking the pods, and they’ll love eating the sweet peas as a snack straight from the garden!
Tips for Growing Cold-Weather Crops with Kids
- Keep It Simple: Choose a few easy-to-grow crops so your kids don’t get overwhelmed. Stick to hardy vegetables that can withstand the cold.
- Make It Fun: Turn planting and caring for the garden into a game—who can pick the most spinach leaves? Who can find the longest carrot?
- Use Garden Markers: Let your kids decorate garden markers for each type of vegetable they plant. This helps them remember what they’re growing and makes the garden their own.
- Celebrate the Harvest: When it’s time to harvest, get your kids involved in picking, washing, and preparing the veggies. It’s a great way to teach them about where their food comes from!
The Benefits of Fall Gardening with Kids
Planting cold-weather crops teaches kids patience, responsibility, and the importance of eating fresh, healthy food. Plus, it keeps them engaged with nature even as the seasons change. And there’s something magical about growing vegetables in the cool fall air, knowing that your little gardeners will be harvesting their hard work in a matter of weeks.
So grab your gardening gloves, pick out some seeds, and enjoy the adventure of fall gardening with your kids. With these easy-to-grow vegetables, your family will be munching on fresh greens and crunchy carrots all season long!
