Encouraging children to get out into their gardens both at home and school is becoming an increasing popular activity both among children and adults. The real question is what to do with them whilst they are out there and how to make gardening an accessible and enjoyable activity for them. This book, written with the help of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, is the perfect handbook for children and adults, be they parents or teachers.
It is hugely accessible and has been packed full of basic gardening information beginning with an introduction to the tools and equipment that will be needed, what to do if you have an accident in the garden and how to prevent this. The weather, birds and wildlife, good and bad creepy crawlies, the growing process and plants are all covered. There are explanations about the impact of wildlife on the garden and how to manage this, how plants grow and how the young gardener can use them through to growing your very own groceries!
The final section, a seasonal guide takes the reader through each month of the year and explains what will be happening in the garden as well as what can actually be done.
Written in a very accessible style and complete with a CD packed full of worksheets this guide is an indispensable starting point for anyone trying to encourage their children to become more involved in the garden. With activities ranging from planting to bird spotting and even keeping a diary through to suggestions for growing potatoes in pots and tomatoes in bags there is something here for everyone. As the title suggests go outside, get those fingers green and those boots dirty and have fun!