3 Plants Even Kids Have a Hard Time Killing

Check out this hardy flora that will unleash – and survive – your rambunctious little gardeners

Kids watch everything you do around the house — including keeping an eye on the time you spend out in your garden. And naturally curious kids might be interested in helping you out with the plants or starting a garden of their own. It’s a great and low-risk way for a child to learn responsibility without putting anything in real danger (we’re talking pets, here).

 So if you want to develop your budding gardeners and really get a lot of value from your experiment, it’s in your best interest to choose a few plants that grow and survive easily. Here are some surefire ways they can get their garden going without ruining the fruits of their labor:

1. Basil

 Basil is a great go-to herb your kids will love to grow and eat when it’s perfectly paired with delicious Italian and Asian dishes,. You might even be surprised at how easily you can get them to eat something green — basil and other herbs are a great gateway into healthier eating for kids, since they mildly enhance the flavor of dishes without overpowering them.

 And in the garden, Basil is one of the easiest plants to grow. It’s so easy, your kids can even start the plants as seeds in the spring and, if the conditions are right, they’ll be ecstatic to see a few tiny green leaves sprouting up within the first week.

2. Cacti and succulents

 Cacti and succulents are often celebrated for their strength and resilience, even when their caretakers have long forgotten about them. Because they’re native to dry and hot desert climates, a cactus can go weeks and weeks without water. That means when your little one finally goes to water his or her new little plant, they won’t be crushed to find a shriveled up pile of leaves and stems. Instead, a plump, juicy little cactus will be sitting there – ready for a little bit of TLC, but still hanging on for dear life.

 Just be careful, as cacti are known for their spikey needles, which can be tempting for kids to grab hold of. Succulents are just as resilient as cacti, and come with a smooth, needle-free exterior. Depending on the age of your child, a succulent might be the right choice. Even if they’re well-behaved and won’t touch the needles, accidents can always happen, so some parents might prefer the child-proof route.

3. Roses

 Roses come back year after year, and they don’t take much work once they get going. Sure, you’ll need to trim these more than the other plants. Just snip off any dead buds and limbs so the plant can focus its growing efforts on the other, happier parts of the bush. And tend to them by watering them about once per week if you haven’t gotten a lot of rain.

 This hardy plant can withstand harsh wintery climates, making them one tough cookie to kill. Unless you live in a hot area, that is. These plants fare surprisingly better in colder climates than they do in mild or tropical areas, so where you live will have a big impact on your child’s success. Either way, it’s well worth a try if they’re feeling confident about growing a rosebush.

Getting your kids outside and gardening is the first step. Getting them to play is next

 With so much technology surrounding kids’ lives today, it can be hard to convince your little ones to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Planting a garden with them is a good way to get them outdoors. An even better bet? Get them fun outdoor toys, like a giant outdoor trampoline!

 Spending tons of fun in the sun is easier than ever with a Jumpsport trampoline. Check out our selections today and get ready to get out there!