7 easy seeds for kids to grow

When it comes to kids' gardening projects, sowing seeds is hard to beat. The magical process of planting a seed and watching it turn into a plant has real wow factor, plus the chance to get really hands-on always appeals to little ones. Seed sowing is a brilliant way to learn about nature and the plant life cycle too.

Giving children responsibility for growing and taking care of their own plants will also help to maintain their interest in gardening. The added bonus of growing plants from seed is that it's a thrifty way to garden. A single packet of seeds has the potential to create a large number of plants, so you can fill your garden with flowers or grow a bumper harvest for very little cost.

Tips for successful seed sowing with kids

Sowing seeds is an easy gardening project for kids to tackle, but there are a few tips and tricks that help to make it a success.

• If possible, use child-sized gardening tools (like this Bigjigs tote and gardening tools set) as these are much easier for kids to handle. A trowel and children's gardening gloves are all you really need for seed planting.

• Try to set up your seed planting equipment at a height that kids can reach while standing up. This makes it easier for children to use tools and control where the compost and seeds are going. A portable potting tray (try this tidy potting tray or this foldable mat) comes in very handy here; you can put it on any flat surface where it will keep everything in one place. If you can't plant while standing, kneeling on the ground is a good alternative.

• A seed sowing session is the perfect time to explore how plants grow with kids, including pollination and the role of plants in the food chain.

• Try not to interfere too much. Show your child what to do, then let them get on with it. And be prepared for a bit of mess – you can clean up together afterwards.

Great seeds for kids to grow

When choosing seeds to grow with kids, you need varieties that are easy to handle, not too fussy about the way they're planted, and require little maintenance. These seven options are a good place to start.