Grow Your Own in Pots for Children

This is my first post so I would like to start by saying hello to everyone, a big thank you to Meeta for asking me to be part of the Daily Tiffin and I'm honoured to be writing alongside such lovely ladies.

I'm passionate about children learning about food. I think it should be fun and exciting but natural and stress free for everyone. One thing most children seem to love, if they have the opportunity, is to have a go at growing their own food.



Growing their own food helps children to learn where food really comes from. It's only natural that they would assume it comes in plastic or paper packets from the shop if they're not told or shown any different. It also helps them to learn patience, a little science, and a little nurturing.

It can be really easy to start with just one pot, some compost and seeds. Unless you're a seasoned gardener, I wouldn't suggest doing a whole veg patch with children. We learned this to our own cost. A kitchen garden or vegetable patch is a lot of work. A little pot or two is good fun and manageable.

I would suggest basil or rocket to begin with as both grow quite quickly and can be eaten cooked or raw.

Things you will need to get you started.

A small to medium size plant pot. A mug would do but would need a drainage hole drilled into it, we used a mug but it's quicker and easier to start with a pot.
A small bag of all purpose compost. The smallest you can buy.
A packet of seeds
Water

If you have the time you could get the children to decorate the pot before they begin. This makes it a longer activity which is great if you're looking for things to fill time in the holidays.

It's a good idea to do this outside or if you're going to do it inside then put some paper down to protect the surface you're going to work on.

Fill the pot with the compost to about 1 to 2cm from the top.
Sprinkle the seeds over the top of the compost (not too many).
Sprinkle a little more compost over the seeds.
Then very gently add a little water.

Leave on a plate (to catch any water draining from the hole in the bottom) in a sunny position on the windowsill or outside if it's spring or summer and there's no chance of a frost. You should check the pot everyday to make sure it's not dry but don't over water. After a few days you should start to see some shoots coming through the soil and then quite quickly you'll have your very own herb or salad with which you can then eat as it is or make into some very tasty food.

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This Post was written by Amanda from Little Foodies