Growing Herbs with Kids – and Recipes to Try

One of the first—and easiest—things to grow with kids is herbs. Watching their little fingers place seeds for basil, parsley and mint in the dirt is about making sweet memories, but it also has very practical implications. Children can watch with their own eyes as their seeds become seedlings and then big plants. And while being simply decorative is good enough, with herbs they will see how useful their gardening endeavor can be. Letting them then harvest the basil for a marinara sauce or the mint for a mint lemonade allows them to see, smell, touch and taste the fruits of their labor.

Beyond the joy of feeling soil between their fingers and the excitement of watching tiny sprouts emerge, there’s another reason to garden with kids—it can actually encourage healthier eating habits. A study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics showed a correlation between fruit and vegetable intake in children who participate in gardening. The study found that children who garden—at school or with their parents—tend to eat more fruits and vegetables. And parents don’t need a study to know that kids are more likely to try new things either when it’s their idea or they have had a hand in it. Unfamiliar foods are not so scary if you’ve been the one to pick it out at the farmers market, wash it and cut it. The sensory experience of gardening is similar to the sensory experience of cooking in that kids can become part of the process.

Growing herbs is one of the simplest gardening projects for kids and adults alike. Start with seeds for the whole experience or pick up some seedlings at an herb festival or nursery. The seedlings might be a better bet if you’ve had trouble growing from seeds in the past or if you want a gardening project with more instant gratification.

Whether you have a big backyard garden or just a few pots on a windowsill, growing herbs is a simple, rewarding way to introduce kids to gardening. And the best part? They’ll be excited to use what they grew! Here are a few easy, kid-friendly recipes that make the most out of fresh herbs.

Simple Minty Lemonade

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3 to 4 lemons)
• 4 cups water
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves

1. Squeeze the lemons, using a hand juicer.
2. In a pitcher, mix lemon juice, water and honey until dissolved.
3. Drop mint into pitcher and muddle it by pressing the leaves against the bottom and sides of the pitcher to release the flavor.
4. Chill and serve over ice.

Buttery Garlic and Herb Bread

• 1 small baguette
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, basil or any of your favorites), finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

1. Let kids help mix the butter, garlic, herbs and salt in a small bowl.
2. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise to create two open-face halves. Spread mixture onto bread. Sprinkle with cheese.
3. Toast in oven at 375 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden.

Kid-Friendly Basil Pesto

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup pine nuts (or skip for nut-free)
• 1 small garlic clove
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt, to taste

1. Tear up basil leaves and add to food processor. Add cheese, nuts and garlic.
2. Pulse until combined, then drizzle in olive oil while blending.
3. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Serve over pasta or as a dip for veggies.

Herb and Plant Festivals

A fun way to introduce kids to gardening and the love of digging in the dirt is by taking them to one of the local herb and plant festivals. All of these events are free.

Sand Springs Herbal Affair

• April 19, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Downtown Sand Springs

Jenks Herb and Plant Festival

• April 26, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Downtown Jenks

SpringFest

• April 11-12, 2025, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tulsa Garden Center at Woodward Park, 2435 S. Peoria Ave.

Natalie Mikles is a mom of three. She writes about food, sharing recipes for busy families and picky eaters. She has been recognized for her food columns as well as features on families and issues affecting local children. Natalie loves pizza and movie nights with her family.