A free guide has been published for schools and nurseries across the UK to encourage container gardening. Suitable for teachers, maintenance staff, volunteers and school gardening groups, the booklet includes advice and tips on growing both edible and flowering plants in containers.
The 20-page booklet explains some of the common problems associated with container gardening and offers some advice and simple solutions.
“Competitions such as Britain in Bloom have done much to raise the profile of gardening but it’s important to foster an interest in plants and gardening from an early age,” comments Patience Atkinson-Gregory of horticultural manufacturers Amberol, who have published the guide.
“There are few activities more satisfying than growing something from scratch and we are keen to encourage children to experience the pleasure of growing plants for themselves. This is also a great way of bringing the National Curriculum alive for children.”
Many schools have gardening clubs, but issues such as lack of space, cost and maintenance are common problems. However, Patience believes that any school could set up a successful club with the right advice.
“Our guide is free to anyone who would like a copy. It explains how even the most inexperienced gardener can successfully grow a range of vegetables, flowering plants and even fruit trees,” she comments. “Of course, there are some cost implications, but PTAs and parent groups are often happy to raise funds for plants and equipment.”
The booklet suggests considering the use of self watering containers to cut down on maintenance and to ensure that plants receive optimal moisture. Self watering containers have a built in water reservoir which means they only need topping up once a week, even in hot conditions. As the water is stored under the soil, it is kept cool and doesn’t evaporate.
For a free copy of the guide, email sales@amberol.co.uk
