Spring Break is here, and what better way to spend time with your kids than getting outdoors and planting something fun and educational? Gardening is an excellent way for families to bond, teach children about nature, and introduce them to the joys of growing their own food and flowers. Plus, it’s a perfect way to kick off the growing season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, we’ve got some easy planting ideas that kids will love!

Here are some fun, family-friendly gardening projects to try this Spring Break, along with a few products from our website, PlantMeGreen.com, that can help you get started:

1. Plant a Butterfly Garden

Butterflies are a magical part of nature, and kids will be thrilled to see them fluttering around the garden. A butterfly garden is easy to plant and can teach children about pollinators and the importance of conservation. Choose plants that attract butterflies like Shoal Creek Vitex or the Red Bottlebrush. These are both butterfly-friendly and easy to grow.

2. Create a Container Garden

If you’re tight on space or just want to create a fun project, container gardening is a fantastic option. You can plant herbs, flowers, or small vegetables in containers that kids can easily water and watch grow. Use colorful pots or even repurpose items like old buckets, boots, or baskets to make it more exciting.

3. Build a Raised Garden Bed

A raised garden bed is a great way for kids to learn about planting and maintaining a garden. Raised beds are easier to manage than traditional gardens, as they provide better drainage and prevent soil compaction. Have your kids help with planting a vegetable garden or a mix of colorful flowers. It’s a perfect way for them to get their hands dirty and learn about how plants grow.

4. Create a Fairy Garden

Fairy gardens are a magical way to get kids involved in gardening. These miniature gardens allow kids to use their imagination and creativity to design tiny landscapes with small plants, rocks, and even fairy-themed accessories. It’s an enchanting project that brings gardening to life for children. Try incorporating Camellias or Tea Olive plants! These small, slow-growing plants are perfect for creating the ideal fairy garden.

5. Start a Berry Patch: Blueberries 

What better way to get kids excited about gardening than by planting a berry patch? Imagine the joy of watching your children pick their own fresh blueberries or raspberries straight from the garden. These fruits are not only delicious, but they’re easy to grow and maintain.

Check out the Blueberry Plants available. They’re perfect for creating a berry patch in your backyard, and your kids will love helping with planting and harvesting.

6. Start a Mini Orchard

If you’ve got a bit more space in your backyard, starting a small orchard is a perfect project for kids. They can learn about the different types of fruit trees, how they grow, and the care they need. Imagine how fun it will be for your family to harvest apples, pears, or peaches in the coming years!

We offer a variety of Fruit Trees, including Apple, Pear, Fig, Persimmon and Peach trees. These trees are perfect for starting your own mini orchard and will provide plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.

7. Decorate Pots and Plant Flowers

Let your kids show off their creativity by decorating plant pots. Use paint, stickers, or twine to make the pots unique, and then plant colorful flowers or herbs inside. It’s an easy and fun way to get kids involved in gardening while also letting them express their artistic side.

8. Grow Potted Trees for Your Patio

If you have a small patio or balcony, consider growing trees in pots. This is a great way to bring greenery to your outdoor space without needing a large yard. Kids will enjoy watching their potted trees grow, and it’s easy to move them around as needed. From Crape Myrtles to Patio Peaches, these trees will add instant charm to your patio or balcony.

9. Plant a "Watch Me Grow" Tree for Your Kids

Spring Break is the perfect time to start a family tradition by planting a tree that will grow alongside your child. Whether it’s a flowering tree, a fruit tree, or a shade tree, this special tree will serve as a symbol of their journey through childhood.

Choosing the Perfect Tree

When selecting a “Watch Me Grow” Tree, consider:
✔️ A tree that grows at a moderate pace (fast-growing trees may outpace the sentimental aspect too quickly).
✔️ A tree with seasonal interest (flowers in spring, vibrant leaves in fall, fruit in summer, etc.).
✔️ A tree that fits your space (consider mature height and width).

Great Tree Options:

Flowering Cherry Tree – Beautiful blooms in spring make for a picturesque annual photo-op.
Magnolia – A stunning flowering tree that grows steadily over the years.
Crape Myrtle – A long-living tree with vibrant blooms and colorful fall foliage.

How to Make it Special

  • Take a Picture Every Year – On the same date each year, take a picture of your child standing next to the tree to track their growth.
  • Mark Their Height – Use a garden stake, painted rock, or small plaque to note their height each year.
  • Create a Memory Garden – Add a stepping stone with their handprint or name near the base of the tree.

Planting a "Watch Me Grow" Tree is a wonderful way to connect kids to nature while giving them a tangible way to see their own growth over the years. Find the perfect tree to start this beautiful tradition in your backyard! 🌳💚