Seed packet jargon

Activity

Learn the gardening words found on a seed packet that will help you understand how to sow and look after your seedlings. 

  • Estimated time: 30 minutes
  • Location: Outdoors & Indoors
  • School term: All year round
  • Level of experience: No experience needed
  • Subject(s): English, Science

Learning objectives

  • Read, discuss and clarify the meanings of words and use a simple glossary
  • Become familiar with the terminology relating to plants and their growth

Preparation

Remember to save old seed packets when sowing, they are useful for wall displays, crop planning and activities like this one. Ask around if anyone else has spare or old seed packets. 

Print off the seed sowing glossary and seed packet jargon pupil sheets for this activity. 

Equipment

Step by step

  1. Ask your group to read their seed packets carefully. With younger members choose packets with a calendar and ask them to describe the pictures on their packet.
  2. Discuss any words that are new to them or are used in a different way.
  3. Use the seed glossary term list to find out what some of the terms mean.
  4. Using the seed packet jargon pupil sheet, record the key information needed to sow the seeds, searching for the answers on the seed packet or in books and internet sources.
  5. Test each other’s garden jargon knowledge by swapping over seed packets.

Hints & tips

  • Laminating the seed packets makes them more durable and can be used by many groups.
  • Try not to tear across the text when opening seed packets.
  • Use this activity as part of Grow Your Own Lunch class growing topic.