Projects to get the family more involved in gardening
It’s National Gardening Week and it’s the ideal time to kickstart an interest in growing, even if you don’t have a garden. It was launched seven years ago by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and this year’s campaign is about sharing your passion for plants.
You don’t have to be the world’s greatest gardener – anyone can take part, with gardens, charities, retailers, culture and heritage organisations doing their bit.
There are plenty of things you can do yourself or with your family, from growing tomatoes on your windowsill to sprucing up your driveway.
Here are some easy gardening projects to do with the family – you’ll find instructions on how to do each one plus many more ideas online at the website www.nationalgardeningweek.org.uk
Build a bee hotel: Red mason bees need nesting sites as well as birds.
Build a compost cafe: Compost heaps are one of the most positive things anyone with a garden can do to reduce landfill and enrich the soil, plus feed wildlife.
Build a mini stone wall or log shelter: Both are great habitats for wildlife.
Plant a night-scented garden: Flowers that release their scent in the evening are a big draw for moths.
Plant a tree: Mature trees in a garden are the best predictor of the overall diversity of creatures in a garden.
Put in a pond: At a time when ponds have all but disappeared from farmland, it’s a hugely helpful thing for wildlife.
Allotment – getting started: Simple steps a productive plot.
Choosing mini vegetables: Vegetables that produce small and tasty produce are ideal for small gardens and growing in pots.
Containers: Pots can brighten up a corner of the garden, provide herbs by the kitchen or make the entrance look welcoming.
Gardening for pollinators: Create the perfect environment for butterflies, bees, dragonflies and moths.
Planting a green roof: Improving the environment for people and wildlife.
National Gardening week runs until Sunday – show your support of by sharing stories and pictures on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
To find out more, visit www.nationalgardeningweek.org.uk
For more information, plus cook what you grow, recipes, environmental news and more, log on to the website at www.mandycanudigit. com – which is also now smartphone friendly. You can also follow Mandy on Twitter @MandyCanUDigIt or you can like me on my Facebook page at Mandycanudigit