With spring just around the corner, now is a great time to plant fresh fruit and veggies to use during your summer grilling sessions. It’s also a perfect way to introduce your kids to new, healthier foods and having them assist you with planting may get them more interested in trying them.

But what should you consider when starting a fruit and veggie garden? Here are some things that are easy to find, easy to care for, delicious, and nutritious.

Peas
Peas are versatile ingredients that are easy to plant–as long as you plant in the early spring. Peas usually take about two or three months to grow, but they’re edible off the vine after a quick wash. Then add them to your favorite salad or stir fry recipe. They’re also great snacks when paired with a healthy dip!

Pea seeds are not edible though, so please be careful when planting. Monitor your little ones and make sure they wash their hands after.

Lettuce
The staple of every leafy green dish, lettuce is a hearty vegetable that grows quickly and thrives in cool weather. They only take around a month and a half to grow in moist soil. Once they’ve grown, give them a good wash, cut, and whip up a great salad.

Strawberries
If your little ones are hesitant about “green stuff,” show them how easy it is to grow their own strawberries. Strawberries are sweet and juicy and take only around two months to grow. Your little ones will also get to watch their strawberries grow big and red.

Once they’re ripe and clean you’ve got the perfect afternoon snack.

Potatoes
Potatoes are some of the easiest to plant with plenty of healthy uses for them.

Be aware that they can take a while to grow – anywhere between two to four months. If you plant a few in March alongside some other veggies, you should have several ready by early June. Perfect for any start of summer cookout!