RHS Get Growing by Holly Farrell

Get Growing by Holly Farrell

This book came out in 2020, and the subtitle is A Family Guide to Gardening Inside and Out.

I should mention that this book is by the RHS, and it is really fantastic, as usual for the RHS.

Oh, dear gardeners, is there anything sweeter than the joy of tending to a garden with little children who marvel at the natural world with wonder?

The RHS's Get Growing is more than just a guide; it's an invitation to embark on a botanical adventure, a journey of discovery that will enrich the lives of both young and old.

The goal here with this book was to put fun into gardening with this excellent family guide to help you make gardening a family affair.
Now, it's hard to beat RHS books because they're so well put together, and of course, they're grounded in science — the latest science — so that's always a plus. 

One of the reasons why you might want to consider getting this book is if you're working with students in your garden because this book is full of ideas and projects. Sometimes, when you're thinking about working with kids, you just need some new ideas or different activities that you can put together to keep them engaged, learning, growing, and excited about working in the garden. This book would be perfect for that.

This book is also excellent for families with young kids. It is really all about inspiring young people and getting them growing, thus the title.

With its delightful illustrations and engaging prose, this book weaves a tapestry of horticultural knowledge that is both informative and inspiring. It's a treasure trove of practical advice, from sowing seeds to harvesting homegrown delicacies.

Imagine a world where children can watch with wonder as tiny seedlings sprout, their green fingers nurturing the delicate beginnings of life. RHS Get Growing makes this dream a reality, providing a wealth of hands-on activities that will spark curiosity and ignite a lifelong passion for gardening.

There are all kinds of fun experiments in this book, such as working with rain, tracking rain, and tracking shadows (something I had not read about before, but I loved that idea). Another fantastic idea is having kids make their own wormery. This is a little worm farm that they can put together in a jar very quickly, and it'll provide lots of entertainment and really teach them about what worms do and how they're so vital to soil health.

I also had to chuckle just a little bit because they feature one of my favorite activities that I've always done with kids, and that is making pesto together. I did this with my kids early on in elementary school. I taught them how to use the food processor and cut garlic. To this day, they still love making pesto, and they associate that smell with being in the garden with me and cooking during the summer - and all season long - which is just such a joy. I'm so glad that I did that.

From creating a vibrant wormery to mapping the sun's path across the garden, the book offers a variety of experiments that are both educational and entertaining. It's a testament to the power of nature to inspire and educate, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

But it's not just about the practicalities. RHS Get Growing also delves into the deeper meaning of gardening, exploring the interconnectedness of plants, animals, and the environment. It's a reminder that our gardens are not isolated ecosystems, but rather integral parts of a larger, more complex world.

In any case, this book is loaded with lots of great ideas. It's step-by-step, impeccably illustrated, smart, and just an excellent current resource.
I just want to mention that Holly Farrell also put together a book in 2013 called Planting Plans For Your Kitchen Garden: How to Create a Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Garden in Easy Stages. She also did a really good book in 2015 called Plants from Pits, which was a book that she did for the RHS.

Holly is an experienced author, a great gardener, and passionate about getting kids excited about gardening.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, RHS's Get Growing is a must-have companion. It's a book that will inspire, educate, and entertain, fostering a love of nature and a deeper appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. So, grab your trowel, gather your family, and let the adventure begin!

This book is 176 pages of ideas, inspiration, projects, experiments, and so forth—all about the garden and getting kids involved in gardening—to get growing.

You can get a copy of Get Growing by Holly Farrell and support the show using the Amazon link in today's show notes for around $2.