There are so many reasons to start a backyard garden with your kids this summer! Whether you’re looking to save money at the grocery store, teach your children where food comes from, encourage them to eat what they help grow, or simply enjoy the convenience of fresh produce right outside your door, gardening is a rewarding and fun family activity.

Getting Started: Know Your Zone

Before you begin, it’s essential to know your gardening zone. If you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a or 5b, like many in Maine, your last frost date typically falls around May 4th, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac (check here). This date helps determine when to start seeds indoors and when to plant outside.

Starting Seeds Indoors

For plants like tomatoes and bell peppers that need a longer growing season, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date—between March 8 and March 23. Use a seed starting tray and grow lights to give your seedlings the best start.

Direct Sowing in the Garden

Many vegetables, such as peas, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, and green beans, can be planted directly in the soil after the last frost. If you prefer not to start seeds indoors, you can also purchase tomato and bell pepper seedlings from a local garden center.

Choosing Your Garden Space

• Raised Beds: Raised garden beds provide excellent drainage, warm up faster in the spring, and help keep weeds at bay. I’ve been growing in these for five years and highly recommend them! Check them out here.
• Deck Planters: If space is limited, you can grow a small garden in deck railing planters or a vertical planter.

Kid-Friendly Gardening Tools

Getting kids involved in the garden is easier when they have their own tools! Here are some great kid-sized gardening essentials:

• Garden tools
• Gardening gloves
• Watering can

What to Plant in Your Backyard Garden

For a successful and kid-friendly garden, choose easy-to-grow and harvest vegetables:

• Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, perfect for snacking or adding to meals.
• Peas – Fun to pick and eat straight from the vine!
• Carrots – Kids love pulling them out of the ground.
• Green Beans – Easy to grow and a great addition to meals.
• Cucumbers – Perfect for salads and pickling.
• Zucchini – Prolific growers that can be used in so many recipes.

Companion Planting with Marigolds

One of my favorite gardening tricks is planting marigolds alongside vegetables. Not only do they attract pollinators, but they also help repel common garden pests like beetles and aphids. Plus, they add a beautiful pop of color to the garden!

The Joy of Gardening with Kids

Starting a backyard garden with kids is more than just growing food—it’s about creating lifelong memories, fostering responsibility, and teaching valuable life skills. There’s something magical about watching a child’s excitement as they see the first sprouts emerge or harvest their first vegetables. Plus, when kids help grow their food, they’re more likely to eat it!

Are you starting a backyard garden this year? Let me know what you’re planting and how your little gardeners are helping!