Sustainability Day 13- Edible Gardens

We love the idea of having vegetable gardens in our services… large ones where we harvest enough food to support the needs of the kitchen but all too often veggie gardens are left unloved, looking sad and wilted in the sun with one little strawberry waiting to be picked before the caterpillar gets it!

However having edible gardens are a fantastic way for children to be sustainable and environmentally aware. Children can learn about growth, water use, life cycles, composting, the importance of soil and worms, pollination and bees, seasons and choosing the right time plant as well as harvesting and healthy eating.

So how can we ensure our edible gardens are successful?  Here are some very easy through to more complex ideas;

Wow, how sustainable and simple! Plant some herbs in an ice cream cone… you could dig that into the ground and it will obviously break down and the roots take hold… or children can take these home, as is.

Again simple, yet aesthetic and effective…a few favourite herbs or veggies in a large pot! Easy to tend to and care for!

Recycling and planting…. growing in plastic bottles  that have been cut in half. What a great way to see the root system.  You could even do this in an old clear fish tank

These next 2 are favourites of mine as they take something simple such as old wooden crates or even a bed frame and create perfect lines for veggie planting.. either flat on the ground.. or mount to the wall as a vertical garden!

I really like this one too… re-use old tins, nailed to a wall (holes in the bottom for drainage) and plant herbs.. easy to care for and see, yet visually effective 

This reminds me of the old style collage / book trolleys with their deep cubes… a few drainage holes and fill with soil and herbs/ veggies

So, some of my favourites… from the simple through to the more complex permanent gardens.  You don’t need a large space, or have to dig up the earth… think about what you already have  and use this to create the base. Keep is simple, user friendly and inviting… and make it part of your routine-  this way it will be cared for and tended to and children will develop great appreciation for growth, the earth and healthy eating!

Please feel free to comment, share or post your own veggie garden successes!