Munch and Crunch Garden: Raised Bed Edible Garden - Kids Grow Garden

KidsGrow

Contents 1

Munch and Crunch Garden
• Student outcomes and background notes 2
• Steps and learning opportunities 3/4/5/6
• Waterwise gardening 7
• Munch and Crunch Garden sample design 8
• Tips and suggestions 9
• Munch and Crunch Garden yearly planner 10
• Planting guide for easy grow vegetables 11

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Suggested age
9-10 years

Stage 2 (NSW) raised bed edible garden
Suite 2/Level 3 (QLD)
Level 3 (VIC) Few things can be quite as satisfying as growing your own vegetables.
Middle Childhood (WA) Children love to pick and eat them straight from the garden, after just a quick
Standard 2 (SA/TAS) wash under the tap. They learn that fresh food tastes great and that hard work
Later childhood (ACT and patience achieves results. Eating food grown locally and in season not only
Band 2 (NT) has personal health and nutritional benefits but also reduces pollution and
other costs caused by transportation and refrigeration.
For growing vegetables in the school setting, raised garden beds provide many
benefits and are much easier to manage. And for even easier management a no-dig 2
garden is just that - a garden bed made up of layers of organic materials that does
not require back-breaking digging and tilling! It can go almost anywhere – on a
section of existing garden, lawn, rocky ground or even concrete!
Good soil preparation is essential for growing quality vegetables and students
can actively participate in soil improvement activities through composting
as part of sustainable waste management in the school.

Student outcomes
By actively participating in the learning opportunities and creation
of the Munch and Crunch raised bed garden students will:
• discover interdependency between humans and the natural
environmental processes including the water cycle and the nutrient cycle.
• represent key features of the school on a map and audit and assess the site.
• develop and evaluate ideas using drawings, models, prototypes and examples
at appropriate stages of the design process, then implement them.
• identify and implement basic aspects of caring for plants and describe
and record ways in which living things grow and change.
• develop and implement simple plans to address environmental issues in the
school such as recycling waste through composting, water efficient practices.
• employ sustainable gardening practices and appreciate the satisfaction,
accomplishment and value of growing and eating fresh food.
• develop understandings about the need to protect the genetic
diversity of our plant foods for the future.

KidsGrow resources
• Steps for creating a raised bed edible garden
• Munch and Crunch Garden sample design
• Munch and Crunch tips and suggestions
• Munch and Crunch yearly planner
• Planting guide for easy grow autumn/winter sown vegetables

Other resources from www.kidsgrow.com.au
• Raised bed design and construction
• No-dig gardening and garden tools
• Waterwise gardening
• Safety tips for learning outdoors
• School friendly gardening practices
• Safe ways to deal with common garden pests

Composting. Compost will enrich your garden and make it grow. Composting
is nature’s way of recycling. Almost any organic matter can be composted including
leaves, straw, food scraps, lawn and garden clippings. You can build your own
from timber, bricks or other materials or just make a heap. For fact sheets go to
www.abc.net.au/gardening and type in ‘compost’ in the SEARCH box.

Be Wise About Water. With simple planning and good plant selection you
can create a beautiful water efficient garden right from the start.
Check out www.wiseaboutwater.com.au for detailed tips on reducing
water use and links to other useful websites.

Your local nursery or garden centre is a great place to start for advice on gardening
techniques, garden supplies, landscape suppliers and plants suitable for your area.

NGIA thanks Learnscapes Planning & Design for sharing their process in the creation of this themed garden.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents,
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia Limited accepts no liability for the information.
Safety Disclaimer. All student activities included in KidsGrow have been designed to minimise hazards.
However, there is no guarantee expressed or implied that an activity or procedure will not cause injury.
Teachers selecting a KidsGrow garden activity should consider the occupational health and safety requirements
within their State or Territory. Any necessary precaution should be clearly outlined by the teacher before
starting an activity. Students must also be taught the proper use of tools and provided with all safety and
protective equipment such as gloves before beginning an activity. See ‘Safety tips for learning outdoors’.

For more school garden resources go to www.kidsgrow.com.au © 2005 Nursery & Garden Industry Australia Limited

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Steps for creating a

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raised bed edible garden

ACTIVITIES TO BE UNDERTAKEN STUDENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Step 1. Organise your team and create a vision for your garden
3
Lead students to an increased understanding Brainstorm in groups the identity of as many edible plants as possible.
about edible plants. Decide on the purpose of Compile a class list. Research which plant foods are grown locally.
the garden. Research and decide on the type of Classify according to edible leaf, fruit, flower, seed, stem or root.
edible garden to be built. Provide information to Survey the class to identify foods that students like and dislike.
parents about the value of students’ involvement Discuss and list reasons for creating an edible garden.
in planning and caring for an edible garden. Investigate what plants and seeds require to grow and thrive.
Enlist the support of parents, grounds staff and Identify and list the elements needed to make an edible garden.
local gardening experts for your garden team. Brainstorm about who could help design and build the garden.
Identify elements needed to establish a food Design an invitation and distribute it to possible helpers.
growing area. Refer to the ‘Munch and Crunch Collect and display photos and drawings of edible gardens.
Garden sample design’. Gather samples and Create a wish list for what you want and need in your garden.
resources about edible gardens, kitchen gardens Refer to the ‘Munch and Crunch Garden yearly planner’ and the
and vegetable gardens. Research which plants ‘Planting guide for easy grow autumn/winter sown vegetables’.
will best suit the purpose of your garden. Brainstorm fundraising ideas for your garden. Act on these.

Step 2. Locate the best place for your garden

e Obtain a base map of the whole school grounds and if possible an
ome tim
l take s is stage aerial photograph. Identify main features and different areas.
a tion wil th
ble loc ant at map Investigate the grounds to look for potential edible garden sites,
a suita import school
Finding ght. It is very sment. Use a r:
o u e asse s c h facto which could include existing garden sites or unused spaces.
and th ke a sit eck ea
underta int. Ch Find possible places for an edible garden that: have at least six
to nd n orth po
scale a atures hours sunshine a day; are close to a water supply; are not already
with a sical fe
nd phy es
ildings
a hone lin native animal habitat; are protected from strong winds; are fairly
n of bu , gas, p
Locatio ter, electric eds
flat; are not needed for other uses now and in the future; are not
n of wa ding we
Locatio on inclu habitat
needed for vehicle access; and are not as likely to be damaged.
vegetati ence of Determine areas that may need improving and consider these.
Existing a nd evid t times
animals differen Record possible sites for your edible garden on the base map.
Existing hade at
t and s Collect and test soil samples from the different sites.
Sunligh and typ
e
influenc
es
Prepare a table outlining the results of the soil testing.
il quality climatic
So
g win ds and ff patt erns Share all your findings with key stakeholders and the principal.
Prevailin e run-o rvision
drainag nd supe Evaluate and discuss alternative sites for a Munch and Crunch
pe and areas a
Slo ons of garden using the information collected in the site inventory.
t functi ccess
Curren strian a Go to each site. Imagine how it could be improved with a garden.
d pede
Ve hicle an ality es Select the best site for your garden. Vote if you need to.
nd visu
al qu ce issu
Views a intenan
and ma
s, safety graded
areas
Hazard tally de e site
Envir onmen es affe cting th
n t chang Whole school base map
Immine

Garden site plan
Site option 1
Site option 3
on A3 sheet
(see step 3)

Site option 2


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Step 3. Create the garden design

Now decide on the size and shape of the garden. Estimate then measure the possible boundaries for the garden.
Prepare a site plan ready for the design work. Create a site plan of the proposed garden area as it is currently.
1:50 is a good scale for students to draw their Draw in any existing features carefully keeping them to scale.
design ideas - 2cm on plan = 1 metre on ground. Discuss possible shapes for the new garden beds and pathways.
Design garden beds no wider than 1.5m so that Select items from your wish list to be included in the design.
students can easily reach to plant and tend the Discuss which materials to use to make the garden and pathways.
garden, with access from either side. Consider Draw your own ideas and plans of what the garden may look like. 4
either a big garden bed with numerous ‘keyhole’ Share and compare drawings and ideas with the whole group.
accesses or individual garden beds linked with Choose the most appealing ideas and sketch up a class design.
wide pathways. Consider constructing in stages. Determine the depth, width and length of the raised garden beds
Try to incorporate seating on the garden edges. Estimate and then calculate the area and volume of the beds.
Refer to the ‘Raised bed garden design and Determine the amount of soil and other materials needed.
construction’ sheet. If possible orient the garden Choose the plants you want and decide what to plant and where.
beds east to west to maximise available sunlight. Refer to the ‘Munch and Crunch Garden tips and suggestions’ and
Walkways should be at least a metre wide to ‘Planting guide for easy grow autumn/winter sown vegetables’
provide easy access. Check the elements on the Display the final design for feedback from the school community.
sample garden plan. Draw the final design to Contact your local nursery for advice and prices of seedlings.
scale onto a site plan. Calculate the cost of buying plants and the cost of materials.
Write a request for donations of materials in school newsletter.

Step 4. Lay out the garden

With a grounds person or parent’s assistance lay Use trundle wheels and tape measures to measure and mark out
out the design features to scale on the ground. the garden beds and pathways using rope or pegs and string.
Keep a photographic record of student actions. Record your activities in your garden diary and add to it regularly.
Have a symbolic launch on site. Keep it simple. Photograph ‘before the garden’. Write captions for the photos.

Step 5. Build garden structures

Call on the support team to help build the garden. In groups build models of your garden using assorted materials.
Before digging make sure where electricity and Invite supporters to sponsor plants or materials for the project.
other services are located. If needed, chip away Investigate if any cheap or free recycled materials are available.
grass and weeds. Many weeds can be compost- Research alternative materials, living and non-living, for pathways.
ed. Construct the raised garden bed or beds. For Plan a working bee day to build the garden and invite helpers.
the edging use untreated timber, stone or bricks. Photograph ‘garden construction’. Write captions for the photos.
For pathways consider sawdust, decomposed Incorporate measurement markings on the garden bed structure.
granite, pavers, bricks or living ground covers. Design thankyou cards and post them to your helpers and donors.

Step 6. Prepare the soil

Do not dig a No-dig garden. See the ‘No-dig gardening and garden tools’ resource for instructions.
Different plants prefer different soil types so it is a good idea to test your soil.
A pH test kit is inexpensive and available from your local retail nursery or garden centre

Many vegetables grow best in rich, well-drained Investigate safe gardening practices. See ‘Safety tips for
soil. Make sure to observe safety precautions learning outdoors’ and ‘School friendly gardening practices’.
when using gardening tools. Dig the soil often Check your soil type. Pick up a handful of moist soil and squeeze.
enough to break up any clods. Add decomposed Clay soil will form a tight sticky ball. Sandy soil won’t hold its
organic matter to improve quality, drainage and shape and loamy soil will hold its shape but it crumbles easily.
moisture and reduce the need for water. Test the pH level of the garden soil. A pH of 6.5 is ideal for
In an established bed first remove any coarse most vegetables. Adjust the pH if necessary. Adding lime
mulch, roots and stones. To give plants a head lowers the pH and adding sulphur raises it.
start dig old manure and well rotted compost Loosen and aerate the soil to help the roots of plants grow well.
into the top 15cm of soil. Rake the surface over. Add organic matter to provide nutrients and assist with drainage.
Devise a plan for planting. See the ‘Planting Investigate how to attract earthworms to your garden. Try this.
guide for easy grow autumn/winter sown Draw a cross section diagram showing the layers in your garden.
vegetables’ and the ‘Munch and Crunch Garden Photograph ‘soil preparation’. Write captions for the photos.
tips and suggestions’. Predict and then estimate how many seedlings will be needed.
Order the seedlings you will require from your local nursery.


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Step 7. Plant the garden

Refer to planting guides and decide what to Investigate methods of growing vegies from seeds or seedlings.
plant and when (most probably in stages). When Design and make plant identity signs ready to put in the garden.
ready to plant ensure the soil is prepared and Remove any weeds. Rake the soil surface so it is loose and flat.
moist and that everything that will be needed is Gather all required equipment - gloves, buckets, trowels, rulers.
on hand. When planting vegie seeds each type Prepare the soil by watering well. Wait until it is moist, not wet.
will need a different sowing depth. Refer to Water the seedlings in their punnets one hour before planting. 5
directions and then demonstrate how to plant Read your seed packets or a planting guide. Follow directions.
them correctly. For seedlings, space them Devise a way of using your hands to measure the distance you
out on top of the soil according to directions. need to leave between each plant and set them out in the garden.
Use a trowel to dig a hole just big enough so Observe demonstrations of how to plant seeds and /or seedlings.
the plant’s root section can be inserted. Gently Restate the instructions to a partner. Confirm understanding.
remove the pre-watered seedling from the pot. Work with your partner to plant your seeds and/or seedlings.
Place it in the hole and fill with soil to the same Place markers. Water plants well with a fine, gentle sprinkling.
level as the original container. Firm in the plant Photograph ‘planting the garden’. Write captions for the photos.
by hand to remove air pockets and create a Draw and write about your experience in your garden diary.
saucer shaped depression to act as a dam. Research how to protect new seedlings. Implement your ideas.
Water the plants in gently.

Step 8. Tend the garden

Water plants to keep them moist. See ‘Munch Water seeds and seedlings lightly for two weeks before mulching.
and Crunch tips and suggestions’ and ‘Waterwise List the jobs that need to be done to maintain the garden.
Gardening’. Take care that the hose doesn’t harm Devise a roster to ensure all students can share the garden jobs.
the plants. Thin out excess plants from the sown Observe and measure shoot and leaf growth once seeds emerge.
seeds. Mulch two weeks after planting (7-10cms Thin out plants if too crowded to leave room for plants to grow.
deep) or build up slowly by adding leaf litter or Spread mulch carefully - not too close to stems to avoid rotting.
other mulch. Weed regularly to prevent weeds Check each day that the seeds and seedlings are kept moist.
competing with plants for water and nutrients. Research and establish a compost heap and/or a worm farm.
Remove any weeds using a hand fork or a hoe Measure the growth rate of the plants each week and record on
and add to compost. Feed plants during the a class graph. Illustrate the different rates between species.
growing period. Apply seaweed-based solution Monitor insect damage. Solve problems by research and action.
and a soluble plant food. Pest patrol to check Research scarecrows using the internet and make a scarecrow.
plant damage and collect old vegies etc. from Study the life cycle of selected plants from seed to maturity.
under plants to prevent disease. Explore the edible parts of plants. Ensure that hands and
See ‘Safe ways to deal with common garden pests’. harvested food are washed carefully before eating anything.
Compost any garden material that is not Photograph the ‘garden growing’. Write captions for the photos.
diseased and also lunch scraps, plant and grass Write about ‘How looking after the garden makes me feel’.
cuttings. Maintain the garden edges and pathways. Create a class photographic diary as plants grow.
Report regularly on the progress of the plants.

1 metre square compost bin

Boards screwed onto posts

Chicken manure
Cut grass or prunings
Food scraps/organic waste


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Step 9. Celebrate and share the garden

Prepare student-made signage for the garden. Create a special sign for your garden. Acknowledge sponsors.
Most simply it can be painted on ply and coated Prepare a display about the garden. Include photos and captions,
with a clear lacquer to be replaced each year. the plan, paintings, growth rate graphs and student diaries.
Document the development of your garden. Celebrate your harvest. Invite parents and school community.
Highlight a vegetable of the week to learn about. Devise a dramatic or musical re-enactment of the creation of the
Plan a harvest celebration. Include a portrayal by garden to perform at the Harvest Celebration Assembly. 6
the students of the garden in all of its’ stages. Prepare a press release about the garden’s progress and send it
Thank all helpers with appreciation certificates. with photos to the local newspaper and www.kidsgrow.com.au .
Prepare a brief project report with photos and Eat the harvest. Record comments from those tasting the food.
describe the benefits of gardens in the school. Select a simple recipe to prepare using produce from the garden.

Step 10. Keep your garden going and use it for more learning

Continue to look after the garden. Keep it tidy. Support grounds staff by mulching and maintaining the garden.
Consider environmental impacts when making Write a regular garden report for the school newsletter.
choices about growing and caring for plants. Research organic gardening and environmentally friendly ways
Organic gardening involves creative ways of of controlling garden pests which are attracted to vegetables. Add
repelling, trapping or destroying harmful pests. your suggestions to the KidsGrow resource ‘Safe ways to deal with
Collect and store seeds for the next year if common garden pests’ and contribute to www.kidsgrow.com.au .
applicable. Remove dead plants. Add undiseased Record in a class log book what has been grown, when it was
plants to the compost. Cover the garden bed planted, when harvested and how it was consumed. Take photos.
with a thick layer of newspapers, wet them down Prepare a presentation to assist next year’s students to plan and
and cover with mulch or straw to help plant their own edible garden. Outline successes and failures.
prevent weed growth over summer. Explore Make a class ‘Edible Garden Big Book’ for the school library using
the possibilities for collecting rain water. When the photos, graphs, selected paintings and diary entries.
planning crops for next year, consider crop Plan some procedures and design simple technological solutions
rotation which helps minimise pests and disease for watering plants during holiday periods, if applicable.
and maintain healthy soil. Vegetables should Reflect on ways that plants support human health and well being.
be rotated according to family groupings. Investigate crop rotation. See ‘Munch and Crunch Garden tips
and suggestions’.

Hand your garden on to a younger class at the end of the year.

For Further Fun
• If you can keep water • Plant heirloom varieties,
• Plant a tepee. up to them in the growing miniature varieties, edible flowers
Use two metre lengths of period plant some pumpkins. and Asian vegetables. Ask your
bamboo, string and climbing Carve your name in a pumpkin local garden centre to order them.
vegetables or vines. when it is small using a wooden • Make “seed tapes” to ensure
skewer. Then watch your name grow. proper spacing of seedlings–using
• Research and create “Did
you know?” signs to place • Plant a pizza themed garden with water soluble glue evenly space
beside growing plants. tomatoes, basil, capsicum, onion, seeds along long strips of paper
garlic, oregano, spring onions. towels and then plant the strips
in rows in the prepared soil.
• Research how • Using
growing food began ten mustard seeds plant a • Create ‘compost tea’
to twelve thousand years ago. special message ready for to feed your vegies: Almost fill a
• Plan a menu using healthy a celebration. Use your finger plastic garbage bin with weeds.
to trace the letters in the Cover with water and replace the lid.
diet principals. Plant the
ground and plants the seed Wait a few weeks for the plants to break
vegetables you will need.
along the furrows. down, then dilute the fertilizer 10:1
• Plant bush tucker herbs and and use on the garden in the same
vegetables such as native basil, way as liquid manure.
warrigal greens and bush
tomatoes.

Useful web sites
Great planting and growing tips Learning activities
www.beddingplants.com.au/veges/tips.htm www.health.qld.gov.au/activeate/default.asp
www.janesgarden.com.au/vege_garden.htm go to teacher fact sheets and scroll down to gardening resources.
www.abc.net.au/gardening Hints for starting an edible garden and recipes to cook the vegetables:
www.dhs.gov.au/ediblegardens


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Waterwise gardening

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About mounding
This gardening technique raises the growing bed higher than the
surrounding open ground. Mound gardens are able to be shaped to
Watering tips
fit any design and are easy to construct and care for. The design
discourages trampling and compacting, helping to keep the soil • Design your garden so that plants with similar
loose and well drained. Mounded garden beds should be formed watering needs are grouped together. 7
with a level surface on top to help retain water and mulch.
• Choose plants which are appropriate for the
local climate and water availability.
• When planting use water saving products like
wetting agents and water storing crystals.
• Water plants in the cooler part of the day and
only water plants when they need it.
• Water the roots of the plant not the foliage to help
prevent water loss through evaporation.
• Drought proof plants by watering them longer
and less often to encourage deep root growth.

Did you know?
Water crystals retain water in the soil and release it as needed
Wetting agents improve water penetration in the soil
Trigger nozzles stop the water from the hose when you release the trigger
Rainwater diverter redirects water from the downpipe to the garden or water tank
Soil-moisture sensor probes the soil to give an accurate indication of a plant’s water needs
Drip irrigation line applies water directly and evenly to plant roots where it is needed
Watering cans with two handles and a screw on rose or nozzle are the easiest to use
Chunky mulch with particles > 5 mm conserves water better than finer mulches*

* see page 64-65 ABC Gardening Australia, December 2005

Mulch and more mulch

Mulch is a layer of material placed over the soil There are organic and inorganic mulches. Inorganic mulches
surface. It keeps soil moist, saves water, suppresses such as pebbles or crushed glass don’t break down, whereas
weeds, insulates roots against heat and cold and, if organic mulches like pea straw or lucerne hay will eventually
it is organic, adds nutrients to the soil. Using mulch break down and nourish the soil. Organic mulches will need
reduces water loss through evaporation by up to 70%. to be topped up each year in spring.

Mulches can be laid down 7-10cms deep or they can be Experiment by using different mulches in different sections
built up slowly, week by week. Be careful not to mulch of the garden. Keep records over time regarding initial cost,
too close to the stems of plants to avoid their stems availability, break down rate, size of mulch particles and
rotting. Recent trials by Yates* suggest that some effect on plant growth and replacement cost.
fine mulches absorb water and actually prevent water
reaching the soil and should only be spread thinly. The following list provides a starting point for research.

Mulch (organic and inorganic)
Compost: Adds humus to the soil, improves soil structure, good moisture penetration.
Pine bark: Low nutrient, dense, acidic mulch. Slow to rot - it is good for paths.
Leaf litter: Quick to break down into rich humus. Shred it before use.
Woodchips: Long lasting but does not add many nutrients to the soil. Allow to age before use.
Pea straw: Breaks down quickly. Will contain some peas seeds that may self germinate.
Lucerne hay: Ideal mulch, usually without weed seeds. High in nitrogen. Good for strawberries.
Grass clippings: High in nitrogen and other nutrients. Should be dried before use. Use sparingly.
Gravel: Doesn’t break down. Used to provide drainage, colour and form. Good for paths.
Seaweed: High in nutrients, rapidly enriches sandy soil. Wash first to remove salt.

Other mulches to investigate: newspaper, scoria, hessian, carpet underlay, geotextiles.


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Learnscapes
Planning and Design
John Webber and
Helen Tyas Tunggal


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Essential Elements Gardening Tips
• The sunniest and warmest spot available – • Compost will enrich your garden and make it grow.
north facing and at least six hours of sunshine. Composting is nature’s way of recycling. Almost any
• Well drained, rich loamy soil with lots of organic organic matter can be composted including leaves,
material or compost in raised garden beds. straw, food scraps, lawn and garden clipping.
• A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is desirable. For suggestions see http://education.qld.gov.au/
A pH of 6.5 is ideal for most vegetables. schools/healthy/active-ate/index.html 9
• Access to a water supply. Trigger nozzles, watering Go to ‘teacher fact sheets’ then to the ‘gardening section’
cans or drip irrigation for watering. OR www.abc.net.au/gardening and type in ‘compost’ in
the SEARCH box.

Design tips
• Mix small seeds like carrots with sand for a more even
spread along a planting furrow.
• Water the roots and keep foliage dry to avoid disease.
• Provide easy access to either one large garden See ‘Waterwise gardening’ page.
bed with “keyholes” or to a variety of narrow garden • Mulch the garden well. Remove weeds regularly.
beds surrounding a central garden or court and • Feed the plants regularly - for leaf and plant growth use
constructed over a period of years. fertiliser high in nitrogen (e.g. blood and bone, chicken
• Incorporate seating into raised garden beds with manure); for fruiting and flowering - higher in potassium
wide walkways/“wheel” ways in between. (e.g. sulphate of potash); and for roots and bulbs -
• Locate a tool shed, shade area, potting table and higher phosphorous.
compost and worm farm near the garden. • Make the most of your harvest: repeated plantings every
• Bamboo climbing frames can be simple or elaborate. few weeks spread the harvest; harvest vegetables as
Consider creating a living tunnel over a walkway. soon as they are ripe; very young plants are also tasty
and succulent. Don’t waste your thinnings - use in soups
Plant tips and salads.
• For improved soil fertility and natural control of pests
• Always choose the right vegetable variety and diseases, avoid planting anything in the same plant
for the climate and the season. Late summer and family year after year in the same garden bed. Consider
autumn planted vegetables should be ready to harvest rotating crops e.g. plant a root crop after a leaf crop
within the school year. - carrots and spring onions after spinach and rocket;
• Choose vegetables that students want to eat as well plant a leaf crop after legumes - lettuce and silverbeet
as introducing new or unfamiliar foods. after peas and beans.
• For early success include some fast growing plants • A green manure crop is a seed-grown crop specifically
e.g. radishes (25 days from seed), cress (25 days from for digging back into the soil to increase levels of organic
seed), salad greens such as mizuna, rocket and leaf lettuce. matter. Use up old leftover packets of flower and
• Use information from seed packets or the seedling vegetable seeds mixed together. When seedlings reach
punnet for suggested planting strategies. 30cm cut them off and dig them back into the garden.
• Consider single crop beds using succession
planting (every few weeks with the same) or mixed beds
growing diverse plants with multi-storey planting Ask your local garden centre
e.g. broad beans beside lettuce for expert advice on seeds and
• Try companion planting of vegetables with herbs seedlings suited to your school
and flowers to improve plant growth, encourage natural grounds. Ask about ordering in
pest control and maximise the use of the garden space. special or unusual varieties.

A four bed example of basic crop rotation

Crop Type Autumn/Winter planted vegetable Soil needs

Bed 1 fruit and beans, peas, snow peas and snap peas Potassium
seed crops
Bed 2 green leafy lettuce, spinach, cress, silverbeet, radicchio, Nitrogen
crops endive, mizuna, rocket, Asian greens

Bed 3 root and carrots, radish, spring onion, Phosporus, potassium
bulb crops Japanese turnip, beetroot (low nitrogen)
Bed 4 green broad beans, clover, mustard, unused
manure crop vegetable and flower seed packets

Create a Garden Maintenance jobs roster. Garden jobs include:
Feeding plants, watering, thinning, staking, weeding, edging, sweeping paths, tending compost,
tending worms, pest patrol, daily reporter, artist, poet, musician, diary keeper, photographer.

See related KidsGrow information pages
‘Raised bed design and construction’; ‘No-dig gardening and garden tools’;
‘Planting guide for easy grow vegetables’; ‘Waterwise gardening’; ‘Safety tips for learning outdoors’;
‘School friendly gardening practices’; ‘Safe ways to deal with common garden pests’


KidsGrow Garden Industry Resource
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T
U

OL

ttuc
T

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gree
WE

e
H
BER

tom

• sp
C

ns •

N
S
WEE

atoe
S
DECEM

inach
P L A/ NLCHING

M AY
AL

spinach
DIN

s • zuc

WEEDIN
TROPIC

• chives •
G MU
SCHOOL YEAR ENDS.

• m u s t a r d cr e s s • J a p a n e s e t
c h i n i s • b e a n s • c u c u mber
PUT THE GARDEN TO BED
TROPICAL DRY SE

G / M U L C H I N G / B U G PA
FOR SUMMER
T

ra d i s h • m i z u n a
Remove all weeds.
Fork over beds and cover with
thick layers of mulch.
Clean all gardens tools and
store safely.
NOVE

Plant green manure, crop
S

TR OL

and dig back into soil. urnip
A

SC
HO
SO

E
MBE

OL

JUN
HO
TE
HA
N

LI
R DA
P

M
•

Y
R

S
3
eg g

HA
RV

• l
p

R
lan

et t

HA
R

t•
E

R
uc
S
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V

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as

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ES
sp
S

•
4

V

pu
in
Y
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a
A

T
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ES

pk
OC

ID
M

in
• co
•
L

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rn
R

BU
TO

ra
O

T

G di
N

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PA sh
B

TR •
T
E

L

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LY

As
O
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ian
N
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JU

gre
G

H

ens
C
S

I

W
S
E
P T
TE S
H OT TROPICAL AND MB GU
SUB-TOPICAL ZONES ER AU

WARM TEMPERATE ZONES

COOL * Planning a new garden may take 6 months or more. Start the year before.
FROST PRONE ZONES
Note that school holiday periods change from year to year and
FROST MAY OCCUR FROM MAY TO SEPTEMBER state to state. Tasmania has 3 terms rather than 4.


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