Expert reveals five easy ways to get your kids gardening and boost their brainpower
IT seems the Government is finally catching up with what we all know - getting kids gardening is not only good for them, it benefits everyone.
In November 2023, the House of Lords newly formed Horticultural Select Committee published a report called Sowing The Seeds - a Blooming English Horticultural Sector.
And amongst its many fascinating findings, is that there’s a huge education and skills gap in horticulture, starting at Primary School.
Young people are not considering it as a career option - leading to a ‘chronic shortage of workers at all skill levels’.
Dr Chris Thorogood, Deputy Director of Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum, told the committee: “There is little or no horticulture in many children’s education. A survey completed in 2019 of 1,000 children between the ages of five and 16 revealed 82 per cent could not identify an oak tree, 50 per cent could not identify a bluebell and 42 per cent did not recognise a dandelion. That is deeply worrying.”
And even the Government’s own findings showed that 85 per cent of children and young people agree that being in nature makes them ‘very happy.’
GARDENING
So Blue Peter Gardener Lee Connelly, who has just been recognised by Global Awards as the UK's Children’s Gardening Educator of the Year, has been lobbying the Government for years to make horticulture part of the curriculum.
Father-of-one Lee, from Essex, AKA the Skinny Jeans Gardener, told Sun Gardening: “Growing your own veg and learning where your food comes from is amazing, but one of the best parts about getting children outside is making memories.
“We don’t all learn from reading books and writing - learning outside is something that can really benefit children, and it’s often where they learn best.
“There’s so many subjects you can fit horticulture into - like science and maths, that can really change the way children can learn.
“Although I encourage parents to put down their screens and take kids into the garden, I know that not everyone has that outside space. Which is why it’s so important that it becomes part of the curriculum.
“Teachers need to be shown how to involve horticulture, and be given funding to do it, that’s the only way things are going to change, children’s mental health is going to improve, and kids to start thinking of horticulture as a career option.”
Mark Spencer MP, Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries, told the committee, “if ever there was a moment in history when we needed the best and brightest young people to come into our sector, it is right now.”
LEE'S TOP TIPS TO GET KIDS GARDENING
- Start Small by beginning with easy-to-grow plants like sunflowers or herbs to capture children's interest and build confidence.
- Create a themed garden by picking an exciting theme together, whether it's a rainbow garden, a fairy garden, or a pizza garden.
- Incorporate fun elements like colorful markers, personalized plant labels, or even DIY garden art projects.
- Choose plants with different textures, scents, and colours to engage all children's senses.
- Turn the harvest into a celebration. Whether it's a simple snack or a creative cooking session, involving kids in enjoying the fruits of their labour reinforces the joy of gardening.
SOWING THE SEEDS
Dobbies Garden Centre’s offer a free children’s gardening club across the country, for those aged four to 10.
The Little Seedlings Club takes place in 67 of its stores, on the first Sunday of every month - offering kids a friendly and relaxed group setting to learn about wildlife, plants and the environment.
Every month sees a different subject - focussing on the gardeners’ calendar and key seasonal moments throughout the year.
February’s workshop shines a light on the humble potato - its history, the different varieties and how it grows.
Designed to engage and support local communities, it also appreciates the need for parents to have access to fun and educational activities for free.
Children who live remotely can access an online version of the club, with home-based how-to activities and child-friendly gardening ideas. Book your session at www.dobbies.com/events.
BOOK WORMS
THE Little Grower’s Cookbook by Julia Parker and Ghillie James is an essential guide to get kids growing and cooking - featuring endless fun tips, tricks and recipes.
Hollywood actress Olivia Colman, called it: "A wonderful reminder of the pure joy that children find in and with nature."
She added: "The benefits of getting children outside into the fresh air and away from the all-pervading screens have constantly been proven.
"This lovely book is a great way to start."
TOP TIP!
Encourage your children or grandkids to grow by giving them their own space in the garden, whether it’s a pot, windowbox, bucket or bed - they’ll love showing you what they’ve achieved.
THIS WEEK'S JOB!
CHILD-FRIENDLY Cherry tomato seeds are great to grow from late January. Sow thinly, 0.5cm deep in a pot of compost, water well and place in a warm position like a windowsill.
SAVE!
Get kids hands dirty with this colourful £9.99 Gardening Set from Longacres
Or take it to the next level of luxury with Kew Garden’s £35 tool set.
WIN!
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LEARN!
Q. I’ve got an 18-month-old, 2ft tall, box hedge and I've noticed more and more dogs using it as a toilet. My neighbour’s has died due to this. What can I spray on them, so that it will wash away or mask the smell, and deter them? Alan McILveen, via email.
A.There’s lots of pricey dog repellant sprays and scatter granules available online, which have varying degrees of success. But you can make your own sprays at home using citrus concentrate, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar mixed with water. Play around with the levels to see what works. . Also try putting down lime or lemon peel at the base as another deterrent.
