This spring season, why not get your kids out of the house and into the garden? Gardening can be fun and educational for kids of all ages and can be a great way to get them excited about nature. All you need is a kids’ gardening set, and you’re ready to go.
In this post, we’ll share our top overall pick — the Dan&Darcy Paint & Plant Kids' Gardening Set— along with all of the best kids’ gardening sets of 2024. We’ve included sets for children who love getting their hands dirty, from those who want to learn about flowers, to those who want to get serious about growing veggies. Whether your child wants to become a farmer, or simply learn more about plants, these sets will have them equipped with everything they need. Get ready to get your hands a little dirty and grab all the tools you need to have a fun and successful gardening journey.
Our Top Picks For Kids' Gardening Sets
- Buying Guide: Kids' Gardening Set
- People Also Asked
- What is the approximate age range for a kids' gardening set?
- Do gardening sets come with all the tools required to get started?
- Are kids' gardening sets easy to assemble?
- Do kids' gardening sets include instructions for use?
- Are the materials used in a kids' gardening set safe and non-toxic?
- Is a kids' gardening set suitable for indoor or outdoor use, or both?
- What kinds of plants and vegetables can be grown with a kids' gardening set?
The Best Kids' Gardening Sets
Best Overall
The Dan&Darci paint and plant kit wins our top pick for the conclusive materials in the kit to help young minds explore plants, art, and creativity. This educational kit helps children understand the life cycle of plants through hands-on experience. This craft kit comes with high-quality materials and a clear instruction booklet that makes construction simple and easy. It includes a tin planter, a plastic liner, soil, three seed packets, a six-color paint strip, two paint brushes, a paint palette, three wooden plant markers, a shovel, and a watering bottle as well. The flowers that can be planted are marigolds, cosmos, and zinnias. Kids are encouraged to use their own creative designs when it comes to the planter and use the plant markers as they see fit.
Pros
- A great gift idea that shows thoughtfulness
- Fun and easy to assemble with a child or adult
- Provides quality bonding time
- Highly rated and well-reviewed
Cons
- Not for younger children due to choking risks
Best for Education
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC flower and herb gardening kit offers children a unique and educational opportunity to learn about botanical sciences. This kit is an all-inclusive set that contains everything they need to start their own flower and herb garden. It includes three stainless steel pots, an assortment of seeds (cosmos, nasturtium, and basil), peat pellets, wooden labels, a shovel, a paint palette, six paints, two brushes, a sticker sheet, and a detailed learning guide.
With 15 stickers and 6 paints included to decorate their pots, kids can unleash their creativity. The illustrated guide also provides kids with fun, kid-friendly instructions, making it a great educational toy for teaching about plants. As the plants grow, the child can use the guide to track their progress and learn about them.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compact and lightweight
- Very affordable price
- Made of igh-quality materials
Cons
- Some users recommend extra paint
Best Design
The Creative Kids root grower gardening kit is the perfect science kit for kids looking to get into gardening! With US-sourced seeds featuring organic soil pods and a variety of items to personalize each garden, this STEM educational gardening set is perfect for kids aged 6 and up. The kit comes with stickers and a measuring worm, which can be used to decorate the indoor garden and make it unique.
The kit provides children with the opportunity to watch their vegetables grow and observe their roots as they develop. This is a great way to improve fine motor skills, gain a sense of responsibility, and foster pride in what kids can accomplish. The kit contains sturdy and safe materials with fun instructions that are easy to follow, ensuring hours of entertainment.
Pros
- Long-term, educational project
- Allows kids to watch plants grow
- Fun and engaging decorating activity
- Provides a vegetable in return
Cons
- May be time-consuming
Best for Decoration
The Innorock gardening kit includes four types of real flower seeds and high-quality materials to design and customize a child’s own flower garden. The non-toxic materials used to create this kit have been tested and meet ASTM D-4236 standards, so parents can trust that their children are safe when playing with this product.
Children can express their creativity by painting, planting, and growing their very own flower gardens. With markers included in the kit, they can even personalize their tin planters with fun messages for an extra unique look. This is a great way for them to learn about the life cycle of plants, as they get to watch their flowers grow.
Pros
- Contains decorative items, like gardening tools/signs
- Soil pellet quickly dissolves into the soil
- Planter can be decorated
- Small and easy to store
Cons
- Small size is an issue for some
Fast-Growing Plants
The BRYTE fairy garden flower gardening kit offers an opportunity for kids to create their own garden with the freedom to choose how it looks and grows. Included in the kit are two paintable figurines, three types of US-grown flower seeds, three essential garden tools, soil, a tin planter, a paint set, and more. With this all-inclusive kit, creativity can be unleashed to bring the magic of nature to your home.
This unique and interactive experience allows for imaginative play as well as hands-on learning experiences. Kids will learn about the life cycle of plants and can watch their plants grow from seed to blossom. The tin planter has a special chalkboard finish, meaning children can write fun messages and keep track of their flowers as they grow.
Pros
- Everything you need is included in the box
- Comes with garden tools
- Flowers start growing quickly
- Paint washes easily off hands and brushes
Cons
- No flesh-colored paints included
Buying Guide: Kids' Gardening Set
Gardening is a wonderful activity for kids that offers them a chance to learn about nature and responsibility while having fun. A kids’ gardening set can be the perfect introduction to this hobby, providing the tools they need in a size that’s just right for them. Look for sets that include gloves, a spade, a rake, and a watering can – all the essentials for a budding gardener. It’s also important to choose durable materials that can withstand outdoor play. With the right set, your little one will be growing their green thumb in no time!
Age Appropriateness
It is important to select a set that is appropriate for the age of your child. Most sets range from 5 to 7-year-old children up to teens. Choose one that is specifically geared toward the age range of your child. Consider sets that are labeled with age categories or check product descriptions for details on who they are best suited for.
Quality of Materials Used
Evaluate the quality of the materials used for the gardening set you are considering. Ensure that all components are made from high-quality materials that will be able to withstand wear and tear over time. This includes both the tools themselves as well as any other supplies (seeds, soil) that may be included in the set.
Size and Weight of Tools
Make sure that the size and weight of the tools are suitable for your child’s body type or level of strength. Consider purchasing sets with lightweight yet durable handles so they can be easily used by your little one.
Level of Difficulty
Define what level of difficulty the set should have when choosing one for your child. Many sets include beginner-level tools and supplies intended for young children just starting to learn about gardening, while other sets offer more advanced items designed specifically for older children or even teens.
Variety and Type of Tools Included
Take into account what types and varieties of tools may be included in the set you plan on purchasing. It is important to determine if there are items necessary for successful gardening, including hand shovels, trowels, rakes, hoes, etc. Keep in mind that some kits may include additional items such as watering cups or spray bottles, which may be beneficial accessories depending on what your child will be doing with them.
Safety Features Provided
Safety should always be a top priority when selecting tools and supplies for children! Look at what kind of safety features are being offered with each set, such as non-toxic finishes on the metal pieces or ergonomic grips that are comfortable for small hands to use without strain. Additionally, check if any sharp edges or points have been rounded off before assembly, so there won’t be any potential dangers when using them.
Price Point
Make sure you have a clear budget in mind before beginning your search! Many sets range in price, so finding one within your desired price range should not be difficult. Just remember that quality tends to cost more.
Instructions Included
Check if there are instructions included with each set before purchase. Detailed instructions can help guide children through their first time planting and will make it all the more enjoyable! Additionally, look at what kind of troubleshooting advice or plant care tips come with each kit, should something go wrong along the way. You can also use them to help as well.
Type of Supplies Included
Check out what type and variety of supplies may come in each package before making a selection! Most kits usually include a selection of seeds (around three to four kinds) appropriate for growing within your region. Most also include soil pellets as well. Think about what your child will want in terms of plants. Would they care more for vegetables? Would they want different flower varieties instead? Some kits also include herbs.
Lightweight Storage Container
Lastly, think about getting a kit that has a sturdy container. Some kits offer liners in their kits for their plant containers. Each growing container is a different size, so it’s good to know what you’re looking for before you buy. Is this something that’s going to have to last outside? Do you plan to have this project inside? These are all good things to consider.
People Also Asked
What is the approximate age range for a kids' gardening set?
The approximate age range for gardening sets is 5 to 10 years old.
Do gardening sets come with all the tools required to get started?
Yes, gardening sets come with all the tools required to get started, such as a trowel, container, seed pellets, and soil. Certain sets come with creative tools too, like markers, paints, stickers, and paintbrushes.
Are kids' gardening sets easy to assemble?
Yes, kids' gardening sets are easy to assemble, as they come pre-assembled and ready to use right out of the box.
Do kids' gardening sets include instructions for use?
Yes, kids' gardening sets include instructions for use that help teach children how to safely and effectively use the tools included in the set.
Are the materials used in a kids' gardening set safe and non-toxic?
Yes, materials used in kits are safe and non-toxic so that children can play and garden without any concerns.
Is a kids' gardening set suitable for indoor or outdoor use, or both?
Gardening sets are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, depending on what type of activities your child wishes to do with them. Most come with a container to grow their plants in.
What kinds of plants and vegetables can be grown with a kids' gardening set?
With most gardening sets, you can grow a variety of flowers/plants and vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, lettuce, strawberries, herbs, and more!
