Vertical gardening

Lesson plan

Links to National Curriculum

Geography 

KS1: use simple compass directions
KS2: describe and understand key aspects of human geography
KS3: understand human geography relating to population and urbanisation

  • Estimated time: 60 minutes
  • Location: Outdoors & Indoors
  • School term: All year round
  • Key stage(s): KS1, KS2, KS3
  • Subject(s): Geography

Learning objectives

  • To understand why and how to grow food in urban environments where space is limited

Key vocabulary

  • sustainable
  • vertical
  • upcycled
  • edible
  • crops

Introduction

  • Establish that eating locally grown, seasonal produce is a sustainable approach to food consumption, with multiple benefits for our health and the planet including: increase in food security, production of healthier, fresher foods, less food waste, reduced emissions for transport and urban regeneration. (See additional note for more information.) 
  • In areas with little outdoor space, traditional horizontal gardening is not always possible so people have found different ways to grow their food. Show images of some urban gardening methods including: vertical gardening, hydroponics, aquaponics, grow lights and rooftop farming.  

Main activity

  • Explain that we are going to focus on vertical growing and make a hanging planter using upcycled materials that can be used to grow edible crops indoors.  
  • Show pupils how to make a hanging planter for vertical growing.  

To prepare the punnet:  

  1. Thread two pieces of twine of equal length through the holes in the base of the punnet.  
  2. Bring the ends of each piece of twine together above the punnet and tie a knot.  
  3. Thread twine through holes in the side of the punnet or tape the twine to the outside of the punnet to secure. 
  4. Line the bottom of the punnet with two sheets of newspaper. 
  5. ¾ fill the punnet with compost. Then tap the punnet on the table to remove air pockets. 

To sow pea seeds:

  1. Use the end of a pencil to create 16 holes approximately 3cm deep.
  2. Place a pea seed at the bottom of each hole.
  3. Cover gently with compost.  

Pupils work independently or in groups or pairs to create their hanging planter.

Plenary

Using compasses, pupils identify whether the window in the room has appropriate light levels and aspect to hang the planters. If not, can they make an alternative suggestion?  

Discuss appropriate aftercare including:  

  • Selecting a window with appropriate light levels (ideally south-facing) 
  • Watering little and often (including putting something underneath to catch the drips) 
  • When to harvest (when pea shoots are approximately 10-15cm tall)

Resources

  • Plastic fruit punnets with holes in the base
  • Twine or string
  • Scissors
  • Sticky tape
  • Newspaper
  • Peat-free compost
  • Dried marrow fat peas
  • Pencils
  • Compasses (for aspect-checking)

Additional information

Other plants suitable for indoor hanging planters include: chillies, watercress, salad leaves and a range of herbs.

Eating local, seasonal produce is a more sustainable approach to food consumption compared to industrial scale agriculture.

Benefits include:

  • Increased food security: food is grown locally for those who need it rather than relying on imports.
  • Healthier, fresher food: growers can grow organically; foods don't need to be packaged.
  • Urban regeneration: utilisation of un-used spaces; providing for insect life in nature depleted areas.
  • Less food waste: less waste caused by retail specifications.
  • Zero emissions to transport food: less distance for food to travel.

Assessment questions

  • What are the benefits of eating locally grown food?
  • How can food be grown in urban environments?