Our Garden

We believe that gardening offers numerous advantages for children, impacting their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Some of the key benefits include but are not limited to:

Exercise and Physical Activity:

• Gardening involves activities like digging, planting, weeding, and watering, which help improve physical fitness and motor skills.
• It provides a fun way for children to get outside and be active, combatting sedentary lifestyles.

Exposure to Nature:

• Spending time outdoors helps children get fresh air and sunlight, essential for vitamin D production and overall well-being.
• It fosters a connection with nature, promoting an appreciation for the environment,

Learning Opportunities:

• Gardening is an excellent hands-on educational tool that teaches children about plant biology, ecology, and the life cycle of plants and insects.
• It can integrate lessons in science and maths (measuring growth, counting seeds, planning harvest times), and nutrition (understanding where food comes from as well as encouraging children to try new foods).

Development of Responsibility and Patience:

• In a world increasingly dominated by fast paced tech and activities, taking care of plants requires regular attention and care, teaching children responsibility and the importance of consistency.
• Gardening also teaches patience, as children learn that plants take time to grow and develop.

Sense of Accomplishment:

• Successfully growing plants and seeing the fruits of their labour can boost children's confidence and self-esteem.
• It gives them a sense of achievement and pride in their work.

Stress Relief and Relaxation:

• Gardening has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It can be a therapeutic activity that helps children unwind and focus.
• It can also improve mood and overall well-being.

At Muddy Hands we follow Mel Bartholomew's Square Foot Gardening Method. Children are encouraged to plan, sow, look after and hopefully harvest a variety of seasonal legumes, vegetables and fruits.