Weeding and Planting - It's a Team Effort!

We are so fortunate at Rachel Keeling to have a diverse range of staff with interests and skills in many different areas. 
Nazma is a keen gardener and so is always passionate about getting children involved in the whole process from preparation to planting and harvesting.  
This week children were supported to use their hands to prepare the beds for planting: they weeded the soil and turned it over. They were also introduced to tools such as rakes and trowels. They were shown how to use them and had a go themselves. 
Children returned to the beds where potatoes are growing and planted rainbow carrot seeds alongside. 
Most children knew that seeds need water to grow and took it in turns to fill the watering can and give the seeds a sprinkle. 
Next they prepared a large pot with compost to plant sweet pumpkins.
Children will help to water and care for our herbs, fruit and vegetables over coming months - it truly is a labour of love!
Nazma is very excited as next week the children will help to harvest garlic as it is ready!

Alongside this, Judy and some children planted sunflower seeds and have been measuring their germination journey. The children have been so patient as growth can be a slow process!
Some of the children are almost at the end of their journey at Rachel Keeling and it is wonderful to see them working with our newer friends and sharing their knowledge and skills. It is like they are passing on the baton of care.

Remember you can plant seeds with your children or even buy a small pot of herbs from the shop or supermarket and pop it on a window sill and care for it.
Alternatively, speak to Nazma and see whether she can help you!