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Spring has definitely sprung and the young shoots and buds are emerging everywhere. ÌýWith nature bursting out from winter hibernation and with the sun finally visible, there’s no better time to get outdoors. Gardening and outdoor learning in general, has become very popular in many schools - growing plants provides a perfect opportunity for first-hand observation. What better way to learn about life cycles than to watch a seed germinate and grow? Or how about teaching healthy eating by actually growing your own food?

There are many other, less obvious, ways in which the , from scientific learning through to literacy and numeracy projects . And schools don’t need to have huge outside spaces to grow things in – a small container garden can provide plenty of inspiration for teachers and children alike.

It’s not simply the novelty value of being out of the classroom that gets children enthused. ÌýStudies by the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) have shown that children are happier and learn better if they attend schools that encourage gardening. ÌýMany will behave better and achieve more when learning outdoors – the charity, council for , insists that the confidence of children who may not be doing well academically can be boosted by this different approach to learning.

If your children’s school doesn’t have a garden and you have some experience, why not offer your help set up a growing space, or help out with the gardening club. ÌýFor the less brave, there’s a lot you can do at home, whether you have a garden of your own or not.

Growing something edible is great for encouraging healthy eating, as well as being able to closely observing a plant grow. ÌýCBeebies’ Mr Bloom, who has an allotment of talking vegetables, has transformed my four year-old from vegetable-hater into vegetable-lover overnight (though his love has yet to extend to tasting ‘Colin’ the runner bean, but we live in hope…). This cress head is a perennial favourite, and will give quick results, perfect for impatient young children. ÌýAnother great way to observe germination is to in a jam jar. You can clearly see the root and shoot development, and can grow it on any windowsill.

Encouraging gardening at home can be anything from growing a single seed in a pot to letting your children take over a whole section of your garden or allotment. ÌýYou don’t need to be an expert yourself – simply discussing what you can see happening, and helping them to care for plants provides a valuable, and enjoyable learning experience for your child.

Hannah Hunter is a member of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Parent Panel.

Take a look at ´óÏó´«Ã½ Gardening with children.

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