Edible Garden at Reflections Nursery & Forest School, UK

In 2009 one of the children in pre-school asked, “Where do chips come from?” another child replied, “From McDonalds”.  This discussion went on to prompt a project about potatoes.

Following on from this project, a discussion amongst educators resulted in our decision to create part of the garden into an edible landscape where children could learn about planting, growing, harvesting and the rhythm of the seasons.

In autumn 2010 the children did some planting in tubs, enabling the children to harvest potatoes in time for Christmas lunch. We planted fruit trees with the children in the front garden and they made clay ‘wishes’ to plant with each tree and buried them under the roots.

In winter 2010 we acquired a large greenhouse, composting bins and raised beds and we planted espaliered fruits along our flint wall. During 2011 and 2012 the children enjoyed planting planted seeds and pricking them out, and then planting them in the raised beds. Following each harvest the children enjoy the fruits of their labour such as making soups from the vegetables they grow.  In 2013 we tried more exotic fruit and vegetables including physalis and cucamelons. 

We look forward to seeing how the children's edible garden develops during 2014.