How to Grow a Climbing Perennial Vine for Kids

Teaching kids how to grow climbing perennial vines can be a fun project. It gives them a chance to see how plants develop and gets them outside to take care of the plant. Select a vine that appeals to kids, which usually means one that has edible fruit or is unusual in some way. The hardy kiwi, for example, has loads of small fruit in the fall and will cover a trellis or wall up to 30 feet high. Kids also enjoy growing the chocolate vine, another perennial vine that has chocolate-colored flowers in the spring and 4-inch-long edible fruit a few months later.

Shovel
Peat moss
Wall, fence or other support
Perennial vine, in pot or root bag

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a vine that will fit the space you have for it. Vines can grow on fences and trellises, on walls, up trees and on water spouts. Be sure the vine you choose won't get too big or too heavy for the spot you've picked. Get the kids involved in picking out a vine they want to grow.
- 2
  Prepare the ground for the vine. Work the soil well to loosen it, and add 1 part of peat moss for every 2 parts of soil. This helps drainage and makes it easier for the plant to grow.
- 3
  Dig a hole 1 foot larger than the root system is wide, and at least 6 inches deeper than the longest roots. Space the hole about 1 foot from the wall, trellis, fence or other support for your perennial vine.
- 4
  Set the vine in the hole and fill in with the soil mixture. Raise the vine if necessary so that it is level with the top of the soil. Cover the roots up to the bottom of the vine, but leave the vine itself above the ground.
- 5
  Water the soil well and top off around the plant with additional soil mixture as the soil in the hole settles. Add a layer of peat moss at least 2 inches thick around the vine to hold in moisture and discourage weeds. The plant will begin to grow within a very short amount of time.

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