TEY 13.2

BEN FAULKS AKA MR. BLOOM FROM CBEEBIES Get growing this autumn Starting to grow vegetables in autumn may seem counterintuitive, but it’s a great time to plant things for harvesting before winter bites. The soil is still warm, which helps seeds germinate; there’s plenty of sunshine to help things get established; and the extra rain means new plants thrive. Gardening is affordable for most settings and doesn’t necessarily require lots of space; there are a variety of ways to grow vegetables successfully, whether in planters, a small patch of earth, or pots. Old sinks, buckets, and large plastic cartons all make great containers – just ensure you add drainage holes to the bottom. PLANTS TO GROW IN AUTUMN You can plant spinach and broad beans now to pick early next year. Broad beans are among the best seeds for children to get started with, as they’re large and easy to handle. They are also very likely to germinate! Start off your broad beans in old toilet rolls filled with compost (or you can use small plant pots if you have them). Keep them inside in a cool but light place until they start to sprout up. Ask children to spot signs of growth and to check that the compost remains damp. Plant them outside after six weeks, about 20 cm apart. The children can Ben Faulks , aka Mr. Bloom, explains why now is the perfect time to plant vegetables with your children… help with the planting by digging the holes, pressing the earth down around each plant, and watering. The bean plants are quite delicate, so you’ll need to be on hand to show the children how to hold the plants and carefully settle them in their holes. You can plant your spinach seeds straight into your tubs outside. Follow the guidance on your seed packet, as different varieties of spinach may have slightly different instructions. AN EXPRESS CROP Little growers may find it difficult to wait till spring for a crop, so why not plant some radishes too? They grow quickly (3–6 weeks), they are bright and cheerful, and they’re great fun to pop out of the ground! Plant the seeds directly into tubs outside, give them a water if the weather is dry, and you’ll be harvesting your first crop very soon. Your growing area isn’t just a place for children to find out about plants and food origins; it becomes a fantastic habitat resource for all kinds of animals, too, leading to lots of interesting discussions. That said, new plants may need extra protection from some cheeky garden visitors. Use natural methods to keep seedlings safe (see my tips), as you don’t want to use harsh chemicals and pesticides when growing food! Connecting with nature through growing nurtures confidence, self-esteem and resilience, as well as helping to develop communication and physical skills. There’s lots more gardening advice in my free “Beginners Guide” (bit.ly/ TEYgrow), which I’ve written with Tapestry. Good luck with your autumn gardening! Ben Faulks, aka Mr. Bloom from CBeebies, is the author of A Beginner’s Guide for Growing Things in Educational Settings , which is free to download from Tapestry. Visit bit.ly/TEYgrow Pests: Slugs and snails may well munch your plants, but a rough surface will deter them. Try placing grit, used coffee grounds, or broken eggshells around the base of your plants. Location: Plants need light and well- drained soil to thrive. Sunny or partially sunny spots are great, but avoid deep shade and any areas where the ground becomes saturated when it rains. Pinwheels: Homemade pinwheels placed in pots or a garden can deter birds from eating your broad beans. TOP TIPS Let’s Grow Early Years Educational Resources Teachearlyyears.com 23