RHS School Gardening Awards Level 1

Level 1 is about starting out on your school's gardening journey and getting growing.

How do we achieve Level 1?

To achieve Level 1, you need to demonstrate the following:

We understand the benefits of gardening
Our growing space is accessible
We have started gardening

When you are ready to apply for Level 1, please submit up to 100 words for each of the above criteria explaining how you have met each one. For school submissions, please show how at least 10 pupils have been involved when you submit your evidence. You are welcome to include quotes from children and young people as part of your submission.

Submit evidence

Information and resources to support your submission:

We understand the benefits of gardening	Our growing space is accessible	We have started gardening
This might include: Learning about the environment and the importance of biodiversity and sustainability Improving emotional wellbeing through an increased connection with nature Improving physical wellbeing through increased activity and eating more fruit and vegetables Establishing and respecting personal space and boundaries and sharing resources Working together to achieve a shared goal Building life skills such as teamwork, resilience and confidence	NB: This is about everyone that is gardening being able to access the space at appropriate times, rather than a requirement to have the area open for everyone at all times. This might include: Ensuring wheelchair users can access and pass one another in the growing space Using raised growing pots, beds or vertical gardening for easy reach Having clearly marked boundaries to support gardening for pupils with visual impairments Having a seated area for rest breaks Providing labels in community languages Using pictures or symbols to provide information	This might include: Creating a growing space, this could be on a windowsill or outside Growing and caring for some indoor plants Growing fast-growing microgreens like cress or pea shoots Sowing some seeds in pots Planting some bulbs or seedlings Sowing potatoes in compost bags
Useful resources: Learning about biodiversity Gardening for health and wellbeing	Useful resources: Vertical gardening Setting up an accessible gardening space	Useful resources: Year-round gardening activities How to grow potatoes

We understand the benefits of gardening

Our growing space is accessible

We have started gardening

This might include:

Learning about the environment and the importance of biodiversity and sustainability
Improving emotional wellbeing through an increased connection with nature
Improving physical wellbeing through increased activity and eating more fruit and vegetables
Establishing and respecting personal space and boundaries and sharing resources
Working together to achieve a shared goal
Building life skills such as teamwork, resilience and confidence

NB: This is about everyone that is gardening being able to access the space at appropriate times, rather than a requirement to have the area open for everyone at all times.

This might include:

Ensuring wheelchair users can access and pass one another in the growing space
Using raised growing pots, beds or vertical gardening for easy reach
Having clearly marked boundaries to support gardening for pupils with visual impairments
Having a seated area for rest breaks
Providing labels in community languages
Using pictures or symbols to provide information

This might include:

Creating a growing space, this could be on a windowsill or outside
Growing and caring for some indoor plants
Growing fast-growing microgreens like cress or pea shoots
Sowing some seeds in pots
Planting some bulbs or seedlings
Sowing potatoes in compost bags

Useful resources:

Ready for the next level?

Level 2

School rewards

Achieve Level 1 and receive:

A certificate and a digital logo to promote and celebrate your achievement

To help you move up to Level 2, you'll also receive:

A copy of the book 'Your Wellbeing Garden'
A selection of Mr Fothergill's seeds*

* Due to postal restrictions we are only able to send seeds to addresses in England, Scotland and Wales.

Group and individual rewards

Achieve Level 1 and receive:

A certificate and a digital logo to promote and celebrate your achievement

To help you move up to Level 2, you'll also receive:

A selection of Mr Fothergill's seeds*

* Due to postal restrictions we are only able to send seeds to addresses in England, Scotland and Wales.