Gardening helps boost kids skills

New research has led experts to recommend that all schools teach garden and greenhouse skills to kids.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Gardening in Schools – A Vital Tool for Childrens Learning study, pupils who are given an education in growing flowers and food benefit greatly from the experience.

It noted that kids often feel happier and become more resilient, confident and go on to live healthier lives.

The new coalition government should acknowledge the research and act on its results to allow more children to take part in gardening activities, suggested RHS director of science and learning Dr Simon Thornton Wood.

"Schools which integrate gardens into the curriculum are developing children who are much more responsive to the challenges of adult life," he explained.

Chairwoman of the National Childrens Bureau and the Cambridge Primary Review Gillian Pugh added that gardening can help boost knowledge, understanding, literacy, numeracy and oracy, as well as confidence and self-esteem.

In other news, chairman of the RHS sweet pea subcommittee Jim McDonald has suggested that growers will see a "riot of colour" at Garden Wisley this year.