Most kids enjoy gardening and it is a fun way to introduce science concepts. Set aside part of your gardening space for a themed garden. One of my favorite garden themes with children is a pizza garden.
The idea of a pizza garden is to grow fresh ingredients which kids can then use to make pizzas. Since most children like pizza, this activity will help them understand where their food really comes from. Pizza sauce doesn’t grow on trees! Using ingredients they grow themselves will make them more willing to try pizza with less processed foods than the pizza they might be used to.
Of course, the food they grow in their pizza garden can also be used in other dishes. So try some other new ideas with the bounty from the garden also.
So what can you plant in a pizza garden? I’ve listed a few suggestions below. Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments section beneath the post.
- Basil – Basil is really easy to grow. I suggest sweet basil. I have also grown basil in pots.
- Oregano – Oregano is another herb which kids can grow with much success. It is a perennial, so keep that in mind when you selecting a location to plant it.
- Parsley – Parsley also grows readily and can be used in lots of dishes. When selecting a location for parsley, consider that it tends to reseed itself from year to year. It is a biennial.
- Plum Tomatoes – Tomatoes are a must for pizza. Plum tomatoes are less juicy, so use them so your pizza doesn’t get soggy. They are good for making sauce, but you can also just slice them thinly and put them directly on the pizza.
- Onions – If you like onions on your pizza, they are pretty easy to grow. I prefer growing them from sets instead of seeds. Just ask your local garden center for advice.
- Peppers – We like bell peppers on our pizza. Pepper plants grow without much fuss. The only problem we ever have is that the rabbits in our neighborhood like them also. Banana peppers also are good on pizza.
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