A SUCCESSFUL scheme to get young people into growing their own fruit and veg is set to expand into a second year.
Ross Dyke, who is in his final year studying for a sustainable horticulture degree at Pershore College, launched his ‘get children growing’ campaign in 2024 in a bid to teach children the art and science of cultivation.
Following a successful pilot year which involved around 8,000 children getting green fingered with the help of 5,000 sunflower grow kits, the project is expanding nationwide.
For its second year, the project is offering an enhanced range of resources to schools with ‘Funky Veg Kits’ to 20 schools featuring quirky, edible plants and ‘Seeds for Schools’ to 30 schools which will include a mix of fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs with professional-grade pots and compost.
Ross, who is from Droitwich, found his passion for horticulture in his 30s, and is motivated by the project’s ability to provide a grounding sensory activity for children.
He said: “Last year went really well, but we were limited in what we could do. After such positive feedback and overwhelming demand from schools across the UK, I decided to go bigger.
“We’re focusing on getting kids gardening within their schools because it benefits their mental health and allows them to be responsible for a living thing, watching it flourish into something they can eat or pick.”
The project continues to receive high-level support from college leadership.
Josh Egan-Wyer, head of school for animal science, land-based studies and horticulture at Pershore College, added: “We are incredibly proud to support Ross as he takes this project to the next level.
“We don’t just teach, we encourage our students to be leaders and this project is a perfect example of how an innovative idea can have a profound positive impact on the communities we serve.
“By putting seeds and soil directly into the hands of children, Ross is fostering a sense of pride and environmental stewardship that will benefit us all for years to come.”
The project is getting continued support from UK-based manufacturer of gardening products, Westland Horticulture and British Garden Centres.
A spokesperson from Westland Horticulture said it was proud to support the campaign as part of its commitment to nurturing the next generation of passionate gardeners.
They said: “Inspiring children to get hands-on with growing not only builds practical skills and confidence but also fosters a lasting connection with nature and the environment.
“These young growers are the rising stars of the future – tomorrow’s horticulturists, innovators and environmental stewards.
“By championing initiatives that encourage early engagement with gardening, we are helping to cultivate the passion, knowledge and expertise that will shape and strengthen our industry for years to come.”
A spokesperson from British Garden Centres added: “This project perfectly aligns with our commitment to inspiring young gardeners and fostering a love of plants and growing.
“By supporting it we’re giving children hands-on gardening experience and helping them discover the joy of growing their own food.
“We believe that connecting young people with nature and gardening is invaluable for their development, and we’re proud to be part of making this happen.”
Primary schools across the UK are encouraged to act quickly for a chance to receive these free gardening resources.
Applications are now open via theplantpod.co.uk/get-children-growing website.
