<h2><em>Grow Your Own </em>is an edible garden competition for primary and intermediate schools, enviro’ groups and ag’ clubs; launched by Soil, Food &; Society, the &#8220;not-for-profit organisation of a fledgling science teaching tool based around the story of where our food comes from&#8221;.</h2>
<p>With a prize of $500 worth of garden centre vouchers, the competition aims to encourage the establishment of (or the development) a school or agricultural group garden.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yFUB_qIscIg" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>Project manager, Ralph Springett, says having an edible garden is a fantastic hands-on resource for students with tremendous scope for learning about the origin of food, what makes it grow and what makes it go mouldy. “Planting veggies and tending a garden also generates discussion around soil, soil health and nutrients &#8211; and food production on a larger scale. It also encourages students to think about the importance of science, agriculture and horticulture in our society.</p>
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<p>“We hope this competition attracts entries from across the country – from schools and agricultural groups who are keen to get started with a garden, to those who need some more funds and materials to keep their garden going.”</p>
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<p>Entry to the <em>Grow Your Own</em> competition is via <strong><a href="https://www.soilfoodsociety.online/edible-garden-competition" target="_blank">this free-to-use teaching resource</a></strong>.</p>
<p>The Soil, Food &; Society online teaching tool is an open, educational resource. It explores three interconnected areas – <i>plants are earth’s engine</i>; <i>our food garden</i>; and <i>the chain in my lunchbox</i>. It offers teachers lesson plans that are straightforward and easy to follow. Integrated with the NZ Curriculum, the teaching resourcing is tailored to suit Years 5-6, 6-7 and 7-8.</p>
<p>For students, it provides independent learning <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/2015/10/developing-opportunities-at-school-with-a-view/" title="opportunities" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" target="_blank">opportunities</a> that will engage learners in scientific investigations and help them present their findings in a scientific way. Furthermore, the tool encourages students away from their devices and out into the fresh air to conduct their experiments.</p>
<p>This project is funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund, The Fertiliser Quality Council, DairyNZ, Federated Farmers, Horticulture NZ, Core Education, House of Science, Ravensdown, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Irrigation New Zealand and NZ Young Farmers.</p>

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