Gardening

Initiating a child to gardening is to teach him the rythm of seasons, respect for vegetation. It is a source of pride for him to see his work come to life and be able to taste the fruit of his labour!

A small organic vegetable patch is not difficult to do. Children are usually keen to participate in such a project.

The different kinds of work, carried out throughout the year are very varied and suited to the children’s age;

- Choice of area, depending on exposure conditions (sunshine, wind…)
- Tilling and preparing the soil
- Drawing boundaries with string, pegs and stones. .
- Chosing plants according to season.
- Sowing and multiplying plants.
- Using the lunar calendar (create the notion of microcosmos and macrocosmos) .
- Making compost ( waste recycling), organic fertiliser and pesticides ( based on respect for the environment).
- Recognising useful insects (ladybirds, beeds, butterflies ) and pests.
- Learning to water, weed and keeping up a garden .
- Harvesting.

Easy and fast growing varieties exist which can be planted throughout the year (small vegetables, small fruit) and small herb garden which can flavour dishes in the cantine ("Hey! This is basil from the garden in my salad!")

Equally, since children are sensitive to aesthetics, flowers can be used to brighten up the garden in the school ( I have very fond memories of giant sunflowers  planted by children which gradually grew taller than them – much to their wonder and surprise!)

In addition there are a number of major books on children and gardening, which I would be prepared to invest in to make this project come true.