The RHS wants children and young people to experience the power of plants. By offering school gardening, it focuses on:
- Improving physical and mental wellbeing.
- Developing important qualities, such as self-confidence, resilience, teamwork and communication.
- Enriching the school curriculum across a range of subjects: from science, mathematics and geography to art, design and languages.
- Education about the environment and the importance of biodiversity and sustainability.
September: harvesting, sowing and making crafts with seeds
Of course, plenty of harvesting takes place in England – just as it does in the Netherlands. The last leafy vegetables, green beans, lots of courgettes, cabbages, onions, sunflowers, dahlias and even artichokes. The September harvest and all the delicious things made with it make September the favourite month in the school garden for many children.
Collecting seeds
In September, a great deal of attention is devoted to seeds in England. Flower seeds are collected to be sown again next year. The RHS website features a fun craft activity using seeds: Make a wildflower piñata. (Please note that the texts are in English).
Year-round school gardening
In the Netherlands, most school gardens close for the summer holidays or continue until the autumn break in October. Only a few continue year-round. The same happens in England. In these school gardens, winter vegetables are sown and flower bulbs for spring are planted in September.
Covering the soil in winter
Are winter activities in the school garden not for you? Then now is the season to consider winter soil covering with mulch or green manure crops. Green manure crops improve the soil by helping to prevent erosion, retaining nutrients, and adding structure and nutrients.
The article above is based on the article Gardening activities for September on the RHS website.