Calling all kids with a green thumb
Green-fingered kids from around Wellington region are being called on to get their hands dirty and show off their gardening skills.
Five budding young gardeners will be named Young Gardeners of the Year for the nationwide Garden To Table competition.
Celebrity chef and restaurateur Al Brown is a judge in the competition and a firm believer that children can learn vital lessons outside of a traditional learning environment.
He said setting tasks in the garden and kitchen helped improve social skills such as communication, teamwork and collaboration.
‘‘The pride the kids have in what they’ve accomplished is extraordinary - from growing the produce, right through to cooking and enjoying meals together.’’
Schools around the country, such as Lower Hutt’s Randwick School and Upper Hutt’s Maoribank School are part of the Garden to Table programme and dig their own gardens in school grounds for students.
According to the Ministry of Health, more than one third of Kiwi kids are overweight or obese. Competition organisers believed gardening was a good way to get kids thinking about food and where it comes from.
‘‘At Garden to Table, we strongly believe that children who understand where good food comes from - and how to prepare it - are likely to make better food choices,’’ chief executive Linda Taylor said.
Keen gardeners can apply online, send in photos of their gardening and sharing their growing tips.
Apply at younggardenerawards.co.nz