Tiny Garden / Field

This activity is suitable for preschool and elementary school levels. Many children today misinterpret the relationship between soil and plants in various ways. In this context, the main goal of the activity is to increase children's awareness about this topic. By assigning the responsibility of a living plant to students, teachers can enhance children's awareness.

Purpose of the Activity:

leaf To educate children about plants and plant growth.

leaf To instill in children the concept of defending the right to life of living beings and preserving their existence.

leaf To assist children in developing patient and environmentally friendly traits.

leaf To teach children the importance of soil fertility and why it is crucial.

leaf To help children achieve the consciousness and joy of production.

First the Story

Tako’s grandfather was hoeing the soil in the garden. Ruka was watching him carefully, observing his every move.

What’s going on, Ruka? Why are you so interested in me hoeing the garden? What’s going on in that mischievous mind of yours?

I was curious about what you were doing, Grandpa. It looks like a really tiring job.

I’m hoeing the soil. So the soil can breathe and the seeds I’ll plant can sprout easily. And it’s not as tiring as it looks.

Really? What are you going to plant, Grandpa?

Yes. Plus, I take breaks in between. Working with the soil keeps you young and energetic. Don’t forget that. Oh, and I’m planning to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes.

I wish I had a small garden too.

How about talking to Tako about it? Maybe he’ll agree too.

Alright, I’ll talk to him. If he agrees, we could have a small garden too. We can plant things and cook delicious meals with what we grow.

What are we planting, Ruka? Where are those delicious meals?

Haha, speaking of the devil! Shall we make a small garden for ourselves?

That’s a great idea. Let’s go get some gardening tools. We can decide what to plant.

Can we plant strawberries too, please?!

Alright, alright, we’ll plant them. Come on, I can’t carry the supplies by myself.

Materials

Activity

In this activity, any type of pots can be used, but rectangular pots (boton) are more suitable. The pots used should have a minimum depth of 30cm. If the school garden is available, a designated area of untreated soil can also be used for the activity.

If using pots for the activity, holes should be drilled at the bottom of the pots to prevent excess watering. Children should fill the pots with as much soil as possible (the soil will compact when watered). If using untreated soil from the school garden, rake or small hoe the soil before planting.

During spring months (end of February is also suitable), seeds are planted approximately 2cm deep into the soil and covered with soil without pressing down. Then, the first watering is done. Small cards can be prepared to label where seeds are planted, indicating the names of the seeds. If using pots, ensure they are placed in a sunny location.

Minnak Bahçe

In the following days, regular watering should be done without allowing the soil to dry out. It is recommended to water in the morning or evening rather than during midday. The water given should not be too cold or too hot.

If the activity is conducted in the school garden, regular weeding of weeds at intervals is important for the health of the plants.

Attention!

This activity can be conducted with multiple pots/areas, assigning each pot/area to a group of students. This allows students to develop teamwork and responsibility.

In case plants fail to sprout or grow, backup plantings can be done in cardboard cups. However, it is important to discuss with students the possible reasons why plants may not have sprouted (such as overwatering, compacting the soil, lack of sufficient light, etc.).

This activity can be done with wildflowers as well as fruits and vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, or lettuce. With the grown fruits and vegetables (supplemented with any shortages), foods like salads or bulgur meatballs can be prepared. The activity with wildflowers can be conducted here.