Going Growing!

In the 1970’s gardening was encouraged and children were able to purchase seeds from their school. “You either chose a flower or vegetable package. (I always got the flower seeds and my brother always got the vegetable seeds) you then planted and tended your garden (actually Dad did!)”. This program also included a competition for the best garden at the end of the season. Children received a certificate if their garden was judged! Few of our young people today know how to grow plants and so are losing connection with their food and lack the valuable skills of gardening. The Rangiora Community Gardens philosophy is to “Grow great communities through connection, strength and interdependence to nourish and enrich people’s lives”. The Going Growing Seed Project will support this goal by providing access to the seeds, and information for children and their families to grow seeds at home, while also generating income to sustain and continue the Rangiora Community Gardens.

What is it?

• Vegetable seed packs
• An invitation to join the garden as family members at a discounted rate.
• Information and education on how to grow the seeds.
• A Going Growing Certificate given to all children who participated.

Who is it for?
• Preschools may wish to purchase seed packs and incorporate gardening into their activities.
• Primary Schools in the greater Canterbury region and rural Area Schools could also use the seed packs as an educational tool.
• Children and families can purchase the see packs to grow plants at home.
• Anyone wanting to learn how to grow plants!

Why do we need this?

• Promote gardening which in turn promotes physical activity and healthy eating.
• Reduce food miles and provide sustainable choices.
• To fund and support the Rangiora Community Garden.
• Provide education opportunities to the community and build practical and valuable skills.
• Increase awareness of the community garden and satellite gardens.
• Improve access to fruit and vegetables to support nutrition and oral health.
• Empower youth and families and support mental health.

Harvest Festival:

The Rangiora Community Gardens in conjunction with the local school will judge the gardens at the end of the growing season / competition and host a harvest festival for all of the children who participated

Why sponsor this project?
This project is an investment in our community to promote, exercise, healthy eating, education, reducing food miles, healthy cooking etc.

How to support this project:

• Donate seed packets to be sold.
• Purchase seeds for the Rangiora Community Gardens to include in Seed Packs.
• Assist with printing of instruction sheets and seed pack materials.
• Sponsor the Harvest Festival.
• Sponsor spot prizes at the Harvest Festival.
• Volunteer time and knowledge to the Rangiora Community Gardens and the competitors in the Going Growing Competition.