From Garden to Plate

Our From Garden to Plate project gives children the chance to get stuck in, get their hands dirty and discover where our food really comes from. It is a seasonal project where children help to plant seeds, water and care for the vegetables, and watch with excitement as tiny shoots grow into plants and, eventually, vegetables ready to pick.

There is so much for children to discover along the way. They notice how plants change, explore different colours, smells, shapes and textures, and spot the insects and wildlife that share our garden. They begin to understand that food does not simply appear on a plate – it takes time, care and patience to grow.

The most exciting part is harvesting and tasting what we have grown! The children can pick the vegetables themselves, talk about what they have grown and have the opportunity to taste something they have helped to grow from a tiny seed. These experiences help to build curiosity around food and encourage children to develop positive attitudes towards healthy eating and trying new tastes.

The project was started by Galeet as part of her Level 4 PANCo qualification. PANCo stands for Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator, with a focus on supporting children's physical activity, healthy eating and wellbeing. The project has become a lovely part of our garden experiences at Gilah, bringing these areas together in a way that is meaningful and enjoyable for the children.

Growing together also creates wonderful opportunities for teamwork, responsibility and confidence. Children work alongside their friends and adults, helping to care for the plants and celebrating each other's successes. Being outside, connecting with nature and seeing something they have helped to grow flourish can also have a positive impact on children's wellbeing.

Most importantly, the project is about giving children real, hands-on experiences – planting, growing, watering, getting muddy, wondering, waiting, harvesting and tasting – while enjoying the journey from garden to plate together.