There are many different ways to grow more plants. They can grow from cuttings, seeds, seedlings, bulbs or rootstock. Next time you do your fruit and vegetable shopping with your child see if you can predict which ones will have seeds inside. If they have seeds inside you could try and grow them.

Feeding your pets can be a simple task for your child to help you with. Talk with your child about what time you feed your pets. Now we’ve finished our breakfast, it’s time to feed Duffy. He likes to eat in the morning too. Show your child what your pet eats and how much to feed it. Duffy likes half a can of dog food and a handful of dog biscuits.

What kind of hair does your child have? Is it long and straight or short and very curly? Does your type of hair make a difference to how often it needs to be cut? Your hair is getting very long. You don’t need to get it cut because you can tie it up for school. Your brother needs it cut as it is getting in his eyes.

To watch a bulb grow, roots and all, it is best to grow it in a jar, instead of outside in the garden. Choose which bulbs you want to grow. When you choose the bulb, talk about it with your child, looking together at the pictures on the packet. Let’s look at these bulbs on the stand. Which one should we choose?

A vegetable that is taller than you … Sweet corn is an easy food to grow and you can grow it in your garden or in a pot. In September or October choose a place in your garden that is warm and sunny. Dig the soil so that it is ready for planting and water it.

Wheat sprouts can grow in just a couple of weeks and your child will be able to watch them change from day to day. Put the wheat in a bowl, cover it with water and let it soak for two days. Watch what happens.

When it’s dark outside different things come out to play. You might hear them banging across the roof or hissing at each other. What do you think it could be? You or your child might have noticed in the morning that things have changed since you went to bed. Have plants been eaten or is there animal poo on the ground? What do you think it could be?

Planting a small vegetable and herb garden with your child gives them a chance to experience the sensation of soil on their hands. Together you can make choices about what to plant and you will be able to observe the changes as the plants grow and begin to produce fruit, vegetables or herbs.

Before planting the seed read the instructions on the packet with your child. As you read the instructions point out the different symbols that are used to give direction to know where to plant the seed, how deep to plant it and how big it will grow.

The sun has been shining, the plants have all grown and now it is time to prune. Talk with your child about which plants need to be pruned and how you will do it. Do they need to be cut in a special way or can you decide how much you want to cut off?