Follow these simple tips for growing kale in your garden with kids!
Gardening is a great way to teach kids about life cycles, the natural world, nutrition, vocabulary and mathematics. It is work (don’t let anyone convince you otherwise) but a work that we feel is beneficial to all members of our family and so we make time to garden.
Growing Kale with Kids
I am often asked about WHAT to grow in your garden. The easiest and most general answer is KALE.
Why? Well…
- It is easy to grow organic.
- It grows in most growing zones.
- Kale in the store costs $$$.
- It doesn’t take up a ton of space or need extra watering.
- There are many varieties.
- It has a long growing season.
- You can harvest individual leaves.
- It is versatile in that it can be prepared in many ways.
- And kids can help harvest it easily without damaging the plants.
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Benefits of Kale
Kale is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium. Kale is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
Here are some of the benefits of kale for kids:
- Promotes healthy growth and development
- Strengthens the immune system
- Protects against chronic diseases
- Improves eye health
- Boosts energy levels
- Improves digestion
- Promotes healthy skin and hair
Kale can be eaten raw or cooked. It can be added to salads, soups, smoothies, and stir-fries. It can also be juiced.
How to Grow Kale Videos
Here are some videos that I have found and previewed for those of you who want to learn more:
- Why grow Kale – health reasons and more planting Kale transplants and later in the video seeds (we do seeds)
- Everything You Know to Grow Kale
- All About Kale – Sprouting Interest for Kids
- How to Harvest Kale (+ Kale Chips Recipe)
- How to Harvest Kale so it Keeps Growing
- The Best Way to Preserve Kale to Eat All Year Round
- How To Grow Kale All Year Round in Containers
My husband’s favorite soup is the Toscana soup. My middle kiddo harvested the veggies and made it for his Papa!
Here are some tips for getting kids to eat kale:
- Make it fun! Cut kale into fun shapes or add it to their favorite foods.
- Be patient. It may take some time for kids to get used to the taste of kale.
- Offer kale in different ways. Try it raw, cooked, or juiced.
- Don’t give up! Keep offering kale to your kids and eventually, they will come around.
And if you need some recipe ideas, stop by here for some ideas!
Kale Recipes for Kids
- Kale Pizza Recipe
- Kale, Orzo and Feta Salad Recipe
- Toscana Scalloped Potato Recipe with Kale, Potatoes and Bacon
Looking for more ways to Garden with your kids? Check out our Garden Blog Hop with over 50 Ideas!
