Gardening with Kids in February: Start a Windowsill Herb Garden

February can feel like the longest month for little ones stuck indoors—but it’s actually a fantastic time to introduce them to growing herbs! Starting a windowsill herb garden is simple, quick, and deeply satisfying for kids. It smells amazing, teaches valuable lessons about plant care, and gives your family a fresh taste of spring before the snow even melts.

🌿 Why Herbs Are Perfect for Kids

• Fast to sprout

• Easy to care for indoors

• Visibly grow week to week

• Can be harvested and used in real meals

• Smell great and invite sensory play

🧺 What You’ll Need

• Small pots or recycled containers (yogurt cups, jars, etc.)

• Organic potting mix or seed-starting mix

• Herb seeds: basil, parsley, chives, or mint are great starter options

• Spray bottle for watering

• Sunny windowsill or grow light

• Markers and tape for plant labels

🪴 Step-by-Step: Grow Your Indoor Herb Garden

1. Pick Your Herbs

Let your kids smell and pick which herbs to grow. Basil smells sweet, mint is refreshing, and chives are oniony and fun.

2. Decorate the Containers

Use markers, stickers, or paint to personalize each pot. Let kids name their herbs if they want—like “Sir Parsley” or “Chivey.”

3. Fill with Soil & Sow Seeds

Dampen the soil slightly, then fill each pot. Sow the seeds shallowly and gently press them into place.

4. Water & Label

Mist the soil with a spray bottle. Write the herb name on tape or plant markers and stick them on each pot.

5. Place in a Sunny Spot

Put your pots on a windowsill that gets 4–6 hours of light. A south-facing window is ideal. Rotate daily for even growth.

6. Observe & Tend Together

Check daily for sprouts. Let kids take turns misting and watching the first leaves appear. Talk about root growth, stem structure, and flavors.

🍽️ Cooking Connection

Once your herbs are 4–6 inches tall, snip a few leaves and use them in:

• Pasta sauce (basil)

• Scrambled eggs (chives)

• Smoothies or tea (mint)

• Salad dressing (parsley)

Cooking with herbs your kids grew themselves is pure garden magic.

📚 Learning Through Growing

• Science: Germination and plant anatomy

• Language: Naming, journaling growth

• Math: Measuring plant height over time

• Responsibility: Daily care routine

💡 Bonus: Garden Observation Journal

Print out our free garden journal template so kids can record plant height, leaf count, smell, color, and even flavor notes.

Love and Vegetables: Helping you grow connection, flavor, and fun—one little leaf at a time.