LIKE many Canberra gardeners, they had an average tomato crop this year, but overall it was a successful harvest for the little green fingers at Goodstart Early Learning Kingston.

The preschoolers have been growing their own food in a community garden plot, experiencing gardening from the propagation of seeds, to planting in vegetables and herbs suitable to be used in the childcare centre’s meals.

Robyn Pentland is the cook at the centre and had the idea to build the plot at the Kingston Organic Community Garden, which is located behind Goodstart Early Learning.

“I suggested I’d take it on as a part of my role here as I’ve studied permaculture and am happy to share some of my knowledge and experience,” Robyn says.

“Under the Early Years Learning Framework we have focussed on community involvement in the way of establishment of a community garden plot for the children to learn and participate in community activities.

“The Kingston Organic Community Garden, part of the Canberra Baptist Church, is located behind the centre and provides great opportunity for the children to participate in regular excursions there, to assist in the nurturing and harvesting of herbs and vegetables.

“The children delight in being involved in the garden each step of the way, particularly the weeding and watering, and seeing the plants grow is a great source of amazement. We also share our fresh produce with the local community as it is available.

“We have recently harvested our corn, which we yielded in excess of 45 cobs.

“The children have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the learning experiences of gardening and community involvements and will continue to do so as the seasons change and new and interesting seedlings are planted in, and watched and nurtured with eager eyes and hands until harvest time again.”