Choosing what to grow

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Do you have an area of land prepared for your vegetable patch but are unsure of what you should grow?

Besides growing vegetables consider growing fruit, herbs, flowers and if space allows some shrubs or trees. Also consider the introduction of wildlife habitats and feeding stations.

Herbs, flowers, shrubs and trees will encourage a diversity of wildlife which will help control vegetable pests and ensure successful pollination. It will also add interest and further opportunities to integrate your gardening project into the wider curriculum.

Choice of what to grow will depend on several things:

●	How much space do you have available?

●	What age of children are you working with?

●	How much time do you have to devote to the vegetable patch?

●	Have you anyone who will take care of your plot during school holidays – especially during August?

Unfortunately August is a really busy time for harvesting crops. In order to minimise the effect of having vegetables ready for harvesting in August choose early or late maturing varieties. If you can persuade someone to harvest crops such as beans during the August holiday then they should keep producing and provide some vegetables for harvesting in September.

Fruit and vegetable growth does not necessarily fit in to the school year. Some crops that have a long growing season will need to be planted during one school year and harvested during the next. If this isn't desirable then you will need to omit growing crops that require a long season.

The following is intended to give you a starting point and help you make appropriate choices.