[veggienut]

Hi.

sorry been away for some time; need to pick your brains again Have 2 classes of reception children, so far have put in potatoes, lettuces, runner beans, raddishes, beetroot, carrot. Will be putting in tomoatoes shortly, any other ideas? Ideally something that will harvest before July and quick growing Schools break for summer so need to harvest at that time.
Have bought some flower pots(ones from Morrisons: £1 for ten) Has anyone had success with growing veg in them, am running out of space in the small veggie plot.
Kids have never been so excited about veg: 

[Eatyourgreens]

You could try perpetual Spinach (Spinach Beet) but even that may not be ready.


Bob

[Bombers]

Courgettes!

[Eatyourgreens]

Just realised you lot don't break up till much later than us.


Bob

[HLS]

Would French beans be ready in time?  The dwarf varieties might work in pots, and you could try yellow ones for a bit of a change.

[Kristen]

I have a variety of French Been called "Speedy" from Suttons which says it will be ready in 7 weeks - can't plant out until frosts have gone, so would need to be started in pots "indoors", or plant under cloches.

In another thread I got taken with the idea of growing Giant Veg to interest my kids.  Not suitable for this year for you to be "done" by the end of this term, but Carrots started off earlier (i.e. next year) and grown in 110cm draining pipes (stood vertical) might be interesting for the kids.

I have converted my kids from Gourds, which they think are the Bees Knees (and I think are useless because you can't eat them!), to Winter Squash.  Similar massively trailing habit.  They wouldn't be ready until Autumn, and might need some water during drought in Summer, but other than that would probably look after themselves through the summer holls?

And finally, I think Sunflowers and a Tape Measure is a good Kids Gardening stalwart (again, no good for this year)

[peanut]

We have loads of strawberry plants that are beginning to ripen now and the kids are getting really anxious to try them.

The obvious one to try is pumpkin but this means harvesting next term and watering over the summer - however.....the excitement when they return in september would be worth it

Also french beans, chard, rocket can all be eaten before August

[Babstreefern]

Too late now, but later in the year, put in rhubarb.  For now, how about peas?

[sunshineband]

Hi there veginut. We grow vegiies with our reception class too, as well as having a more substantial area of raised beds for the rest of the school.
This year we have a similar selection to you, with french beans under plastic to speed 'em up, and have just been given today a little tray of broad bean plants by one of the parents who bought them at a garden centre.. just enough for a couple of big pots.

Mixed salad leaves grow like wildfire and are amazing to try out in taste tests with little children (or big ones come to that) so you could have a go at these. Covering the top of the pot with pastic helps them grow really fast to start with and you will have masses in about a month.

Good luck 

[veggienut]

Hi.
thanks for all your tips so far. This may be of interest , sadly I live too far away:http://www.foodforlife.org.uk/events/Event695.

[titch]

at our pre-school we have planted runners, broads, carrots, potatoes, i have got some tomatoes that i will take in, and some peppers too - we didint get started early enough for most of it.
It is difficult though, as a lot is ready the second week we break up (least thats what happende last year)
but they enjoy watching and checkeing each day, and of course watering

[Caretaker]

The local school has started a gardening project on the cricket ground about 10 raised beds I will walk by there on the way to work Friday and see how they are getting on.
May take my camera and post a picture.
Reg

[savbo]

I'd vote for mangetout...