Parents should teach kids to grow

The Childrens Society has urged parents to educate their kids about where food comes from through showing them how to garden.

It comes on the back of a survey that found almost eight out of ten (79 per cent) of older parents (aged 55 to 64) have gardened with their offspring, compared to 62 per cent of parents aged under 35.

This is in spite of 92 per cent of UK adults agreeing it is important for youngsters to learn how plants and food can be grown in gardens and greenhouses.

In the survey of 1,000 adults conducted by Nfp Synergy, 57 per cent of younger parents say their children are in touch with nature, compared to 73 per cent of older mothers and fathers.

The research was carried out to coincide with the charitys garden at the Chelsea Flower Show – which begins in London today.

Educational psychologist Laverne Antrobus explained children who are taught to garden are more likely to enjoy a varied and healthy diet.

"Creating small garden areas in school or at home encourages children to learn about caring and nurturing a plant," she said.

The Royal Horticultural Society is asking gardeners to bring their old underwear to the Chelsea Flower Show.

It intends to use the items to make sustainable gardening containers.