911±¬ÁÏ

Gardening is a healthy and inexpensive way for children to learn and have fun at home, school or the allotment. Research suggests children perform better at school if they’re involved with gardening and many will develop a greater interest in healthy eating if they get to grow their own veg.

Gardening for childen and young people
Activities to get children into gardening
Wellbeing benefits of gardening for children
Kid’s spotter guides
911±¬ÁÏ Campaign for School Gardening – we work with schools and groups to encourage children and young people to garden

Experiencing success in growing plants as a child is often a person’s first memory of gardening. Give children their own positive experience by introducing them to some inspiring plants;

• Easy flowers to grow from seed include sunflowers, marigolds and poppies and big seeds from trees such as oak or sycamore
• Sensory plants to play with include rattling poppy seedheads, furry Stachys byzantina , smelly curry plant ( Helichrysum italicum ), lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis ) and chocolate cosmos ( Cosmos atrosanguineus )
• Quick and tasty edible plants include swiss chard ‘Bright Lights’, radish , lettuce , courgettes and runner beans
• Edible flowers to try include sweet-tasting day lily ( Hemerocallis ) and peppery nasturtium

10 plants to include in a child-friendly garden

Outings to other gardens can be great for kids;

• 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens offer family activities and school visits

On the web:

• Family-friendly gardening activities
• 911±¬ÁÏ Campaign for School Gardening
• National Education Nature Park
• BBC website dedicated to (in collaboration with the 911±¬ÁÏ)

Top 10 gardening books for children

Some of the most popular gardening titles are available to borrow as e-books, audiobooks or physical copies from the 911±¬ÁÏ Library .