New garden beds have been set up at SDN Glebe Children’s Education and Care Centre, thanks to a grant from the City of Sydney. In January this year the centre received a $3300 grant to transform one of their outdoor spaces that was not being used into a sustainable vegetable, fruit and herb garden.

Throughout the week children from all age groups had the chance to plant different fruit, herbs and vegetables, learning from their educators about the planting process, how much water is needed to nourish plants, the purpose of mulch and how important it is to care and nurture plants. The children planted cabbages, strawberries, lettuce and herbs, which were kindly donated by one of the parents.

Children, staff and families of all ages enjoyed getting their hands (and clothes) dirty while they dug holes in the soil, planted fruit, herbs and vegetables. They then patted down the soil, added mulch and finally watered the plants.

Centre Director, Laura Yench, is excited about the project and the way the children will be able to see the plants grow over time. ‘It will teach the children about the environment and about healthy eating when we use the ingredients in our recipes. We often talk to the children about healthy eating at lunchtime and by growing our own produce we are hoping the children will develop an interest in healthy food and plants, Laura said.’