what to grow

[happyplanter]

our little boy is 18 month old and we want to grow some funky veg for him. if any one has any ideas that would be great.

[shirlthegirl43]

Cherry tomatoes are fun for kids to watch as they can be small plants which are a friendly height. They also look pretty as the flowers appear then there is the fascination of the tomatoes forming then turning from green to red. Carrots are a bit boring as they take ages and everything happens underground. A bucket of spuds might be good - though they are just green tops for the most part, they grow quickly and some have pretty flowers, then there is the discovery of the potatoes in the bucket - even my husband gets excited about that bit! Dwarf beans are also good - again pretty flowers and you get to watch the pods forming - also a good height for a little one to pick. Peas are also fun as they are so sweet to eat straight from the pod. My sons love cucumbers but be careful with those as the leaves can be quite prickly and that might put your son off a bit. Good luck with it all and welcome to the vine.

[rustylady]

Anything quick growing, such as salad leaves, radishes etc. Sunflowers are fun for kids and adults as they grow so quickly and so tall. You could also try growing pumpkins for next Halloween.

[happyplanter]

thanks guys

[Alice]

Welcome to the Vine Happyplanter. Children that age don't have a lot of patience so you need instant results. Try some sprouting seeds to grow on the windowsill. Up and ready to eat in a few days. Also pea seeds planted in a pot will be up sharpish. Cut the shoots, eat as they come or add to salads. They taste just like fresh peas.

[Flummery]

My 3 year old grand daughter Caitlin was fascinated by the idea of mangetout peas. The image of her checking out what was growing in Gran's garden with a mangetout in each hand and snacking as she went still brings a smile to my face. Even though there wasn't much to see but feathery foliage she also love pulling small carrots that I grew in pots for that purpose. She loves them raw and the foliage acted as a 'handle' for her. Bucket of spuds too, as Shirl said. She planted them with me and earthed up on each visit.
Strawberries a great hit of course, but not a veg.