How to Start a Montessori Herb Garden With Your Child (Plus a Free Printable!)

Looking for a screen-free, nature-rich, hands-on activity your child will love? 

Starting a small herb garden is a powerful (and surprisingly easy) way to teach patience, responsibility, and practical life skills - core to the Montessori approach. And the best part? You don’t need a big backyard. Just a few pots, some sunlight, and a little daily care.

Here’s how to start your own mini herb garden at home, even with toddlers!

Why Herb Gardening is Perfect for Young Kids

• It’s sensory-rich. Kids love the smell of mint, the soft leaves of basil, the taste of parsley on their fingers.

• It builds real-life responsibility. Plants need daily attention. That means kids learn to check in, water, and notice changes.

• It teaches cause and effect. When kids forget to water, they see the consequences—naturally and gently.

• It encourages healthy eating. Kids are more likely to try herbs they grew themselves.
  

How to Set Up Your Child’s First Herb Garden

You don’t need fancy supplies—just a few basics and some kid-sized tools.

What You’ll Need:

✔️ Small pots or recycled containers
✔️ Potting mix
✔️ Herb seeds (see our recommendations below)
✔️ A watering can and gloves (child-sized if possible)
✔️ A sunny windowsill or safe outdoor spot

Try this Montessori tip:

Let your child choose the herb. Giving them ownership builds excitement and investment in the process.

Easy Herbs to Grow With Kids

Want herbs that sprout quickly, smell amazing, and are safe to taste? Start with these favourites:

🌿 Basil – Quick-growing and delicious. Kids love pinching off leaves.
🌿 Mint – Hardy and aromatic. Great for sensory exploration.
🌿 Chives – Grows like grass and easy to snip with scissors.
🌿 Parsley – Slower growing but rewarding. Great for garnishing food together.
🌿 Coriander (Cilantro) – Fast to sprout and fun to harvest.
🌿 Thyme – Small leaves, earthy smell, and easy to grow in pots.

Let your child pick their favourite. Giving them the choice builds confidence and curiosity.

What to Do Each Day

✅ Water in the morning
✅ Check for new growth or changes
✅ Talk about what the plant needs and how it’s growing
✅ Snip a leaf and smell it together
✅ Celebrate the small wins: “Look! A sprout!”

Free Printable: “My First Plant Journal”

To make the experience even more meaningful, download our free ‘My First Plant Journal’ printable. It’s a simple, guided w ay to help your child track their herb’s growth, practice observational skills, and develop a love for nature.

📥 Enter your email below to get your FREE Plant Journal
(It’s perfect for kids aged 2–6, and only takes 2–3 minutes a day to complete.)