National Children’s Gardening Week takes place annually and this year runs 29th May – 6th June. The aim is to promote the health, wellbeing and educational benefits of gardening for children at a time of year when the weather is warming up and there are lots of things to see and do outdoors. Gardening can help children learn new skills, understand where food comes from and the importance of wildlife. Also, it can raise self-esteem and confidence and even help with anxiety and social skills. So what can you enjoy in the garden with your children during National Children’s Gardening Week? Here are some ideas below:
Learn to grow some easy salads during National Children’s Gardening Week
A great way to show children how to grow their own food is to use easy and quick crops. Sowing seeds such as cut and come again lettuce, rocket, pea shoots and cress is ideal because they germinate really quickly and can be harvested in just weeks. You can sow in seed trays or pots but why not make it fun as well and use painted egg cartons, or cut down drinks bottles, even used food tin cans decorated with anything that captures the imagination.
It’s National Gardening Week so why not learn about nature?
One of the best ways to learn about the garden is to look at the surroundings close to you and note what you see. Children can spot trees, plants, wildlife and write them down or draw them to then learn more. So if you see a tree that you can't identify why not draw the leaf shape and describe it in writing to then ID it. This can be really good fun and a great way to learn.
National Gardening Week is a great time of year for planting
By the end of May, all frosts should have passed and it is a great time to plant vegetables and flowers out in the garden or allotment. Why not plant up a hanging basket? It can be full of pretty flowers or choose strawberries for a tasty summer snack.
Have fun with Peppa Pig this National Gardening Week
This year, Peppa Pig, and her friends are sharing their top tips for having fun in the great outdoors, whilst at the same time raising money for Save the Children to help children around the world grow up healthy and happy. A brand-new Peppa Pig themed activity booklet has been created with support from Regatta and National Garden Gift Vouchers. The booklet is jam-packed with fun and creative ways for children to explore the world around them and discover the magic of gardening. They are available in-store in limited numbers so make sure to call in and pick yours up before they’re all gone!
Learn more about National Children's Gardening Week here
