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10 allotment activities for children

The allotment is a great place to introduce kids to the world of gardening, keeping them learning and entertained

Bug hunting

    Go out on a bug hunt to discover how many different types they can find. 

    Why not start with a picture card or check list to see if they can match up the insects, then each week see if they can grow the list. 

Creating mosaics and pathways

    Collect a range of different pebbles and stones to lay out and create artwork and patterns, whether it be in a small area such as a mosaic or go large scale and decorate the walk ways around your plot. 

    Why not use paint and decorate your pebbles to add some extra fun and colour.

Mini plot to call their own

    Provide a small plot of land that they can work on and make their own. Get them preparing the soil, picking their own plants and caring for them. 

    Why not get them into competition with something you are growing.

Bug collecting

    In a clean jar or container see how many insects they can collect from around the plot. This could be slugs, snails, worms or caterpillars.  

    Maybe they could make a to place them in afterwards. 

Cleaning vegetables

    Set up a cleaning station where they can brush and wash the vegetables.

    Get them involved with the collecting of the food, cleaning and preparing.

Mud kitchens and potions

    Using old pots and pans turn a section into a mud kitchen and get them creating potions. See what concoctions they can create using fallen petals, leaves and twigs. 

    Why not turn it into a science experience and see how different amounts of water and mud can change the consistency. 

    Image © Shutterstock

Watering duty

    Get them watering the plot. It is a job that needs doing anyway and children love playing with water.

Fruit and veg picking

    Need an extra pair of hands during harvest, get them to help with the picking and collecting of the fruit and vegetables. 

     

Create a garden diary

    Create a scrapbook of the allotment over time, what was planted, when, how long does each plant take to grow.

    They could take along a camera and take photos of the progress, and create wax rubbings as things grow and change in  shape and size. 

Digging for treasure

    Use a sieve or just go digging and see what treasures can be found in the mud. 

    Why not plant some gold coins or toy bones to be discovered. Get them thinking about the story behind how they got there.

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