This article is about two things which often cause dramas for kids and parents. Maths and vegetables – it’s fun, I promise!
Growing your own veggies is a great way to learn about the world, get kids outside, save money and encourage healthy eating. Many people already
do it, and lots of us say we should do it. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you don’t have the space or the money, because you can get around that. We live in a small ground floor unit, and we have a row of pots out the back with tomatoes, carrots and herbs growing.
Step one – work out where you are going to grow your plants. If you have a house with a big backyard, you can have as big a garden as takes your fancy. You might need to build a garden bed, or perhaps you already have an empty bed there. If you have a small yard, you might need to be a little more creative. Can you fit a garden down the side, or in a funny-shaped corner somewhere? If you’re in a unit, can you put pots outside or on a veranda? The advantage of this is that you can take them with you if you move; pots are also a good option for renters. Talking through the options of where to put the garden/ pots, what will fit where and the like develops spacial awareness in your children – a very important mathematical skills.
Step two – go shopping! This doesn’t have to be expensive. Give you children a budget ($10 gets you set up nicely) or at least get them to add up your purchases as you go. Also make sure that you compare brands and sizes of pots and plants at the hardware store/ nursery. This is yet another opportunity for you do weave numeracy development into everyday activities.
This is a list of things which you might need, depending on your circumstances, what you already have and your budget. Seeds, seedlings, pots and saucers, stakes, fertiliser (if desired), potting mix, watering can, shovel/ trowel etc.
There are also many ways to drop the cost down if you want. Instead of buying plastic pots (about $5) buy a 98c bucket and drill some holes in the bottom. Buy smaller seedlings, or seeds, as these are cheaper than larger plants. A watering can isn’t a necessity, a milk or soft drink bottle with some holes in the top and the lid on turned upside down is a good improvisation. Remember to keep your kids adding up how much you’re spending. Compare this figure later with the money you save with not buying veggies later. It might take a few goes to make up for purchasing non consumables like pots, but within two or three ‘crops’ you’ll come out ahead.
Step three – measuring out and planting. Plant your seeds/ seedlings according to the directions on the packet. Have the kids measure out the rows 20cm apart, and the 5cm between each carrot or whatever the directions are. More geometry! If you’re using soft potting mix, the kids’ beach toys will probably be enough to dig holes; why buy a metal spade if a plastic one you already have will do?
Step four – tracking the growth. Depending on how enthusiastic your kids are and how long you want to spend, you might want to keep track of how well your plants are growing. Make a list on paper or in Excel of the date (or number of days since planting) and the height. If your kids are really keen (and/ or doing graphing at school) you might want to make a graph of the growth rate. Remember to keep it fun. Phone Grandma and let her know how quickly the tomatoes are growing, or that there are now three carrot shoots coming through. Enthusiasm = good! The more excited they are, the more maths you can sneak in, and the more they’ll be looking forward to eating them.
Which is step five – eating! The kids should be really excited about eating food which they have seen grow from scratch. It also means that you’ll save money that week at the shops, and you won’t have to buy as many veggies!
This is a great activity for nutrition, for family bonding, for developing numeracy skills and for getting the kids outside having fun. Good luck with your endeavours, and let me know how you go!
(September 2007) (
