Gardening is more than just planting flowers and vegetables—it’s a hands-on, interactive way for children to explore nature, develop patience, and unleash their creativity. Whether you have a big backyard, a small balcony, or just a sunny windowsill, there are countless ways to introduce kids to the joys of gardening. From crafting their own fairy gardens to growing a sunflower hideout, these fun projects will not only keep them entertained but also teach valuable lessons about responsibility and the environment. Gardening can also be a great bonding activity for families, encouraging kids to spend more time outdoors and away from screens. Plus, many of these projects make excellent gifts for budding young gardeners, especially when paired with fun and educational gardening kits. To make things even easier, we’ve included some recommended Amazon products that can help bring these projects to life. Whether you’re looking for a weekend activity or a long-term project to nurture their love for plants, these 19 kids’ gardening projects will spark their creativity and leave them with a sense of accomplishment.
1. DIY Fairy Garden
source @sproutandblossombox
A fairy garden is a whimsical, miniature landscape that allows kids to create their own little world using plants, tiny decorations, and their imagination. They can use small potted plants, moss, pebbles, and miniature fairy figurines to bring their magical garden to life. This project is perfect for inspiring storytelling and creative play. Add a small DIY pond using a shallow dish filled with water and blue stones for an enchanting touch. Recommended Product: [Fairy Garden Kit for Kids (Amazon Link)]
2. Painted Rock Garden Markers
source @thepaintpost
Let kids personalize their garden by painting colorful rock markers to label different plants. This project combines art and gardening, giving them a chance to express themselves while learning about plant identification. Use non-toxic acrylic paints and let them get creative with designs—ladybugs, flowers, or even their favorite cartoon characters. Once dry, place the painted rocks around the garden or in potted plants for a fun and educational addition. Recommended Product: [Non-Toxic Acrylic Paint Set (Amazon Link)]
3. Grow a Pizza Garden
source @gardeningknowhow
What could be more fun than growing ingredients for a homemade pizza? Kids can plant tomatoes, basil, oregano, and peppers in a designated “pizza garden” and watch their favorite toppings grow. This is a great way to teach them where food comes from and encourage healthy eating habits. You can use a raised garden bed or even a large container for this project, making it suitable for any space. Recommended Product: [Kids’ Garden Starter Kit (Amazon Link)]
4. DIY Sprout House
source @the_sprout_house
This fun and educational project lets kids see how seeds sprout up close. They can use a damp sponge or cotton balls inside a clear plastic container to create a mini greenhouse. Watch as tiny roots and shoots emerge within days, making it a great way to introduce young children to the magic of plant growth. Choose fast-growing seeds like beans or alfalfa for quick results. Recommended Product: [Fast-Growing Sprout Seeds (Amazon Link)]
5. Butterfly Garden
source @butterflygardeninginspirations
Create a butterfly-friendly garden by planting nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, zinnias, and lavender. This project helps kids learn about pollinators and the important role they play in nature. To make it even more interactive, they can use a butterfly habitat to observe caterpillars transform into butterflies before releasing them into the garden. Recommended Product: [Butterfly Habitat Kit (Amazon Link)]
6. Egg Carton Seed Starters
source @gardeningknowhow
Instead of buying plastic seed trays, let kids use recycled egg cartons as biodegradable seed starters. Fill each section with soil, plant seeds, and keep them moist. Once the seedlings are big enough, they can transfer them directly into the garden without disturbing the roots. It’s an eco-friendly way to start a garden while teaching kids about sustainability. Recommended Product: [Organic Seed Packets for Kids (Amazon Link)]
7. Mud Kitchen Fun
source @scholarschoice
Let kids get messy with a mud kitchen—an outdoor play area where they can “cook” using soil, leaves, and water. Set up a small table with old pots, spoons, and containers, and encourage them to create mud pies and pretend soups using natural ingredients. It’s a fantastic sensory play experience that encourages creativity and outdoor exploration. Recommended Product: [Kids’ Play Kitchen Set for Outdoor Use (Amazon Link)]
8. Sensory Herb Garden
source @sensorygardenkenya
Growing an herb garden is a great way for kids to explore different textures and scents. Plants like mint, rosemary, lavender, and basil offer a variety of fragrances and are easy to care for. Let them touch, smell, and even taste the herbs to engage all their senses while learning about plant care. Recommended Product: [Herb Garden Kit for Beginners (Amazon Link)]
9. DIY Terrarium
source @aria_terrarium
A terrarium is a self-sustaining mini garden that kids can create using a glass jar, small plants, and decorative elements like pebbles and moss. It’s a great way to introduce them to the water cycle and plant ecosystems while giving them a creative outlet to design their own little garden world. Recommended Product: [Terrarium Kit for Kids (Amazon Link)]
10. Sunflower House
source @thesunflowergarden
Imagine a playhouse made entirely of sunflowers! By planting tall sunflower seeds in a circular pattern, kids can create their own natural hideaway as the flowers grow. This project is not only fun but also teaches patience and responsibility as they care for their growing plants. Recommended Product: [Giant Sunflower Seeds (Amazon Link)]
11. Worm Composting Bin
source @letsgocompost
Teach kids about composting with a worm bin! They’ll learn how worms help break down food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. This hands-on project is great for understanding waste reduction and the importance of healthy soil. Recommended Product: [Beginner’s Worm Composting Kit (Amazon Link)]
12. Mini Greenhouse with Plastic Bottles
source @farmandgardenshopbb
Recycle plastic bottles into mini greenhouses by cutting them in half and placing them over seedlings. This helps keep young plants warm and protected while showing kids how different environments affect plant growth. Recommended Product: [Kids’ Gardening Tool Set (Amazon Link)]
13. DIY Bird Feeder from Oranges
source @theunschooledproject
Hollow out an orange half, fill it with birdseed, and hang it on a tree branch. This eco-friendly bird feeder attracts local birds, giving kids a chance to observe them up close. Recommended Product: [Bird Seed Mix for Backyard Birds (Amazon Link)]
14. Garden Stepping Stones
source @thebaliproject.in
Let kids create their own stepping stones using cement, colorful glass pieces, or handprints. These custom garden decorations make great keepsakes and add a personal touch to the garden. Recommended Product: [DIY Stepping Stone Kit (Amazon Link)]
15. Upcycled Rain Boot Planters
source @mattersofdesignlethbridge
Repurpose old rain boots by turning them into fun, colorful plant pots. Simply drill drainage holes, add soil, and plant flowers or herbs. It’s a great way to reuse old items while creating a playful garden display. Recommended Product: [Potting Soil for Kids’ Gardening (Amazon Link)]
16. Gourd Birdhouses
source @j.egan_designs
Grow gourds, let them dry out, and turn them into birdhouses by hollowing them out and adding an entrance hole. This project is fun, eco-friendly, and provides a home for local birds. Recommended Product: [Gourd Growing Seeds (Amazon Link)]
17. Glow-in-the-Dark Garden
source @billdraperphotography
Use glow-in-the-dark paint to decorate planters, rocks, or stepping stones. At night, kids will love seeing their garden glow, adding a magical touch to their outdoor space. Recommended Product: [Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Set (Amazon Link)]
18. Bug Hotel
source @tuigardenandhome
Build a small wooden structure filled with natural materials like sticks, pinecones, and bark to create a home for beneficial insects. Recommended Product: [Bug Hotel DIY Kit (Amazon Link)]
19. DIY Vertical Garden
source @succulentartworks
Create a space-saving garden using a pallet or hanging pots on a wall or fence. It’s a great way to garden in small spaces while letting kids design their own plant arrangements. Recommended Product: [Hanging Planter Set for Kids (Amazon Link)]