All children have a strong interest in how things grow and no matter how small your gardening space is, there is always space to grow a seed or two that will flower or is able to be eaten.
Why do children need to watch things grow?
- Growing their own food encourages better eating.
- Children understand the process of seed to fruit
- Children learn how to nurture something through monitoring how much they need to water, check if the soil is healthy and if the plant is getting enough sunshine.
- Gardening can be a solo or group activity – both have amazing benefits.
- Touching soil and getting outside is not only good for the soul, there have been links to our mental and physical health.
- Gardening ignites curiosity and an appreciation of nature.
How can you grow at home?
Buy some seeds through a seed savers group – this means little plastic waste and support for plants that have not been commercialised.
Try to look for native flowers where possible.
Keep a seed diary when you do plant your seed so you can monitor what is happening throughout the week or two.
Read some books that inspire gardening. Here is a wonderful list of books for you to read.
My magnificent Jelly Bean Tree
Do you have any great gardening books to share with me?
