We are regularly encouraging our young children to contribute in our kitchen-garden because we’d like them to know where their food comes from and be part of the team. Children can climb trees, build dens, splash in paddling pools and essentially play in the garden, but they can contribute and pull their weight too, especially if there are games, rewards, and adventures built into every task.
If you’re encouraging your children, or grandchildren, to get gloriously green-fingered, then here are some handy ideas, tips, and hacks.
DIG FOR TREASURE
Engage children through vocabulary – you’re not digging for mere spuds, you’re digging for treasure! Who can fill their treasure chest (bucket) to the very top? Grandad, or little Ben? The glint of a potato in the soil is a real life treasure hunt, rather than a backbreaking chore. Subtly educate children by sharing what type of treasure they are seeking – is it ‘Maris Piper’, ‘Ayrshire’ or ‘Cornish King’?
BONFIRES
At the beginning, make sure that gardening tasks are disguised as fun, with a rewarding outcome that children understand and enjoy. For example, if you want the garden cleared of detritus, promise the kids a bonfire. The draw of fire is primeval, whatever your age! With the lure of a conflagration, most tots will get raking and sweeping in no time. If a bonfire isn’t practical, opt for a firebin, campfire, or light sticks gathered from the garden in the hearth. Marshmallows are usually a hit too. (Fire blankets, extinguishers, water, and standing a safe distance from the flames must all be considered.)
START A RACE
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2020 من Kitchen Garden.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2020 من Kitchen Garden.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
PICK STRAWBERRIES - FOR HOME-GROWN FLAVOUR
When it comes to getting value for money and the best flavour, strawberries are hard to beat, says fruit expert David Patch
A GARDEN FOR EVERYONE!
This month Hannah Reid shares her experience of redesigning a garden for those with a range of disabilities and how it has benefited them
ROOM TO GROW
We meet Rhiannon Alcock from Devon, whose plot provides a place to relax and learn. It also inspired a wonderful community project growing produce for local food banks
Just how much food?
Top organic gardening influencer Huw Richards explains how to maximise the pickings from growing spaces big and small
PREDATORS ON YOUR PLOT
Garden Organic's Anton Rosenfeld explores the range of beneficial predators that you can encourage into your garden, keeping pests at bay
GIVE THEM A HELPING HAND
Some of our most popular crops come from much warmer climes and need a little extra TLC before being exposed to the UK's changeable conditions. Editor Steve Ott offers some top tips to help get them off to a great start
Digging for tomorrow
Encouragement to grow your own is being passed on to the next generation, as Sally Clifford discovered when she visited a former Dig for Victory site in the historic city of York
MAKE YOUR OWN GIN GARDEN
Become a gin genius by growing your own key ingredients. Becky Searle shows you how
KNOW YOUR ROOTS
Maincrop roots are a staple of autumn and, with care, should last well into winter too. Don't miss your opportunity to start them! Benedict Vanheems shares his tips to keep the larder stocked with nourishing, home-grown roots
SOMETHING FOR THE WINTER
This month 'squashbuckler' Rob Smith takes a look at winter squash varieties - old, new, coming soon and something different with advice on sowing, growing, harvesting and storing