THE NO-DIG CHILDREN'S GARDENING BOOK
What’s inside...
Don't like endless digging and weeding? Don't let that stop you from getting into gardening! The simple and achievable gardening projects in this book are perfect for parents and young children to do together. All are based on Charles Dowding's trademark no-dig technique, which perfectly lends itself to gardening with little ones who can't manage heavy digging and who will quickly grow bored of endless weeding. Projects are broken down into easy, step-by-step processes, designed to be carried out by children. Attractive, full-bleed photography is supplemented with fun illustrations and fully illustrated factual spreads. Running throughout the gardening projects are extra little facts about plants and wildlife, as well as things to look out for when you are outdoors.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think plants need to grow healthy and strong?
If you could grow your own garden, what plants would you choose to grow and why?
How do you think taking care of a plant is similar to taking care of a pet or even a friend?
What does the idea of a 'no-dig' garden mean to you, and why do you think it's important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Foster curiosity by asking your child to predict what might happen next in the garden before turning the page.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, such as a time they helped in a garden or planted a seed.
Discuss the responsibility and care it takes to maintain a garden, drawing parallels to caring for their belongings or toys.
After reading, consider planning a small no-dig garden project with your child to put the principles from the book into practice.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through gardening tasks, children learn to take care of living things and see the results of their attention and care.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small, manageable tasks at home, such as watering plants or helping to set the table, learning accountability and contributing to their family or community.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Gardening is a process that involves waiting for plants to grow. This book emphasizes the value of patience as children nurture seeds into plants.
Real-World Application: In everyday life, children learn that some things cannot be rushed and the importance of waiting for the right time. They can practice waiting their turn or looking forward to anticipated events without frustration.
Example Lesson: Healthy Eating
Explanation: As children learn to grow their own food, they gain an appreciation for fresh, healthy produce, which is woven into the story.
Real-World Application: Kids can become more interested in eating fruits and vegetables they have grown themselves, leading to healthier eating habits.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: By engaging with the gardening process, children understand the relationship between plants and the ecosystem, learning about composting, recycling, and sustainability.
Real-World Application: Children can start small environmental projects, such as recycling or saving water at home, enhancing their environmental responsibility.