S-mash-ing start to potato project
26 Mar 2008
Schools can now register to take part in Grow Your Own Potatoes 2009
The British Potato Council’s ‘Grow Your Own Potatoes’ project got off to a smashing start, with the first of ten thousand schools planting their potatoes.
Pupils at Lumley Infant and Nursery School, Co Durham enjoyed a Potato Day Experience – the first prize in a competition run by the BPC as part of the project. Children had a hands-on lesson in how to plant potatoes with the help of a local potato grower, Michael Manners.
Pupils from Lumley School have a hands-on lesson in planting potatoes
Headteacher, Mrs Wilson, said: ‘All the pupils have been looking forward to starting the Grow Your Own Potatoes project and now can’t wait to harvest their potatoes in June.’
Schools that registered for the scheme received a growing kit with two types of seed potatoes – Rocket and Vales Emerald – and a £5 voucher towards the cost of equipment. Additional material, including factsheets, video clips and top tips from Blue Peter’s gardener Chris Collins are available from the website.
This year’s scheme is set to see 300,000 children across the country getting involved in the planning, caring and harvesting of their own potato plants.
If you’ve missed out on taking part this year, schools can now register to take part in Grow Your Own Potatoes for 2009 at www.potatoesforschools.org.uk
