Gardening projects for kids: Growing a pizza garden

Pizza is a fan favourite in many households. The toppings are endlessly customisable. Whether

it’s a generous sprinkle of cheese, a handful of fresh rocket, or a touch of sweetness with

caramelised onions, there’s something for everyone. If your kids love pizza, they’ll be thrilled to

grow ingredients for a homemade version. This gardening project for kids is fun to do but also

lets them enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Involve the whole family in brainstorming which herbs and vegetables to grow for your pizza

toppings. You can design your garden with all the ingredients your family loves.

We love easy-to-grow options like spring onions, peppers, baby spinach, herbs like parsley and

rocket, and even tomatoes for the sauce.

It’s really exciting for young people (and grown-ups) to plant, grow, and harvest veggies and

herbs and then use them to make food. Even for picky eaters, the pride of having grown

something themselves might just make them more open to trying new foods.

Timing is key in gardening. Remember to schedule your planting so ripening times let you

gradually build home-grown ingredients. Start with herbs, then greens, until the end of summer,

when you can add tomatoes and peppers.

Let your children get their hands dirty. Teaching them to break up soil clumps and remove rocks

is not only educational but also fun.

When they’re done, mix in products like Wonder Fruit & Flower or Saula Substrate for Tomatoes

and Vegetables.

Choosing a sunny location is crucial for your pizza garden. Follow the instructions on seed

packets or containers, and provide adequate space for each plant. Here’s an idea of how much

space to allow for each plant:

● Tomato: at least 60 cm; for larger varieties, 75 cm. (Remember, tomatoes need a cage or

wooden stakes as support.)

● Bell pepper: 30 to 38 cm.

● Onions: 10 to 15 cm apart.

● Basil and rosemary: 38 to 45 cm.

● Thyme and oregano: 25 to 30 cm.

For an extra fun twist, try designing your garden in the shape of a pizza, dividing the plot into

“slices” for different plants. This not only makes gardening more enjoyable but also visually

appealing.

Watering and maintenance

Plants have varying watering requirements. Tomatoes require the most water, followed by basil

and peppers. To prevent diseases, water in the morning and focus on the base of the plants.

Protect your plant from weed growth, and keep your soil moist by putting down some Wood Mulch

It’s important to monitor your plants for any signs of insect infestation or other issues. If insects

are actively feeding on your plants, you can remove them by hand. Additionally, it’s

recommended to remove any plant parts that turn brown or yellow, as it can be a sign of a

problem.

The most anticipated moment in this gardening project for kids is the harvest. Pick vegetables

and herbs with your kids.

● To harvest the tomatoes and peppers, firmly pull them from the plant. After that, wash

them properly and use them as required.

● Only remove the basil and oregano leaves, and wash if dirty.

● Pull onions and garlic from the soil when ready, wash, and slice as needed. The green

parts can also be used when the onions are young.

Once harvested, you’re all set to craft your own pizzas with fresh, home-grown ingredients. You

can even try making pizza sauce with your freshly grown tomatoes.