Visit our websites Organic Gardening page we have lots of good information sheets on all aspects of gardening that will be useful.
We also are happy to answer questions either through the website or direct email- we have a couple of dozen experienced gardeners in Riverton and between us all we have a lot of local knowledge. There is no reason or need to buy artificial fertilizers or sprays- set the right example.
The Environment Centre is also a good source for gardening resources.
TOP 10 TIPS FOR GARDENING IN SCHOOLS
- Plant little and often for a constant supply- don’t rely on just one main crop
- Use non-hybrid seeds so you can save them and use them year after year
- Choose fast growing veges especially - it seems a long process for children! Non hearting lettuces can be lightly browsed as they grow.
- Begin your seedlings in the classroom especially when it is too cold to plant outside
- Plant ready grown seedlings as well to speed the process up
- Plant what the children are likely to eat and enjoy
- Make liquid manure in a big barrel to feed you plants especially if you soil is poor
- Never leave the soil bare- plant green crops whenever it is - this adds to the soil while protecting it from weather and weeds. Once you want to plant again they are easily removed.
- Enjoy the cycle of the plants - let the biggest and best plants go to seed, gather the seed to be stored and used again next year.
- Keep it simple - you don’t need structures and fences- put all your energy into building soil and growing lots of food so there is enough to share!
Buy one good NZ Organic Gardening Book as a resource for your school - don’t buy one from overseas as the conditions and seasons are different. Organic Gardening in NZ by Richard Llewellyn Hudson is our favourite but there are many other good ones.
Robyn Guyton , South Coast Environment Centre , October 2008
