All you can eat in a basket

Planting up a mix of edible plants in a hanging basket can be a rewarding activity that you can share with your children or your loved one. Children of all ages can help plant and watch the plants grow in the summer and throughout the fall.

Getting started:

Plant combinations in one basket can create a delicious salad or a fruity snack. Such as a few strawberries, edible flower petals, feathery dill and leafy basil. To make caring for the planted basket even more child friendly, hang it eye- level so that everyone can see the plants growing. Children can also help with watering, collecting the petals, strawberries, or leaves from the basil. 

Watering and feeding

The dill provides edible foliage and also grows quickly so is ready first and gives children a quick reward. A couple of marigolds will provide plenty of edible petals, which add a vivid orange color to any salad. Hanging baskets can dry out easily because of wind, sun, so adding compost soil to the dirt mixture can help. You can also hang your basket indoors in the kitchen for an easy way to add a few leaves or petals to any meal. 

More edible suggestions

 Tomatoes, such a single plant, can be planted ( cherry tomatoes) easy for little ones to pick and eat. 

Lettuce needs plenty of moisture for the leaves to be sweet and tender. 

Mint is one of the most popular herbs for kitchen gardeners because they can quickly harvest while cooking.  You can grow most herbs from seeds or starter plants. If you’re starting from seeds, keep in mind that most herbs don’t like waterlogged soil, so it’s best to use a spray bottle instead of a nozzle to water your containers.

Most varieties of peas are easy to grow, and a great plant to start with your children. Peas grow quickly, providing an immediate reward. Plant peas in well-draining soil, and within just a few weeks you’ll be peas-fully shelling and snacking.

All of these plants are easy to grow, requiring little garden know-how and very little legwork. Keep in mind that these plants require well-draining soil. If you use a pot, make sure you have a tray underneath to collect water. Place your plants in areas with plenty of sunlight and remember to harvest regularly for the freshest and tastiest results.