Following the huge success of this award winning project, Suffolk County Catering and the Inclusive School Improvement Services are again running the scheme for 2008. And already over 200 Suffolk schools have applied for their free seeds.

The project encourages pupils to grow and eat their own vegetables, helping them understand and appreciate the benefits and enjoyment of freshly grown produce.

What do I have to do?
Simply involve the children in growing the seeds, caring for the young plants and then harvesting the veg. Also where possible, involve the school catering staff in encouraging the children to prepare, taste and eat the veg too.

I'm not a gardener but I would like to take part in the scheme – is there any simple guidance and information to help?
Instructions on growing this produce can be found on the ‘Grow your own veg’ pages of the Royal Horticultural Association’s (RHS) web site:
http://www.rhs.org.uk/vegetables/index.asp
Also see the Campaign for School gardening web site: http://www.rhs.org.uk/schoolgardening/default.aspa

What about watering the crops over the summer holidays?
The vegetables selected should be ready before the summer holidays (if the guidelines in the information are followed.

When can the children eat their produce?
Suffolk County Catering will provide a range of recipes for the children to select with the kitchen team.

Are there any good examples of Suffolk schools growing and eating veg grown in the school garden?
Yes – for a few of these see the case studies

How do I apply for my FREE seed pack?
For further information (Suffolk schools only) please contact either:
Alison Wood (Advisory Teacher for Environmental Education), Tel:01473 784209. Email: alison.wood@educ.suffolkcc.gov.uk or chris.denny@educ.suffolkcc.gov.uk