Suggested timing: March
Planting involves the active process of nestling a little seedling into the ground. When planting, children will experience first-hand, earlier ideas about what happens in the soil.
Key considerations for successful growth include:
- Physical space above ground and under the ground
- Watering
- Access to light
- Competition for nutrients
We want to ensure that each plant has enough nourishment to grow well.
Short film: From Planting to Growing
1. Root systems
The root system of a plant looks a bit like the hand of a child.
2. Root size
A plant often grows just as big under the ground as it does above. Measuring the root area can help children make a comparison with the height of a plant.
3. Vital water
Water is the most immediate source of nourishment for the plant. Where does water come from and… where does it go to…?
4. Planting space
All plants need to share physical space to:
- get the benefit of light
- sufficient volume of soil to grow stable
- gain access to water and nutrients
The children can observe the space plants occupy in the school ground.
5. Companion planting
In the same planter, some plants can benefit from each other and help each other grow. Companion planting is when specific plants, flowers, or herbs are planted alongside the vegetable plants to protect the produce or enhance their growth. This might be by:
- Attracting insects (for example bees) for pollination
- Repelling pests
- Acting as an alternative food for pests (and so protecting the main crop from being eaten)
You have reached the end of this unit. To assess your knowledge before starting the next unit, please complete the short quiz found at the link below.
Please note: you will have to enter your email address at the start of each unit quiz if you wish to be sent a Garden Schools Certificate of Completion once you have worked through all 8 units and quizzes.