The Boston Market Garden
The Boston Market Garden is an urban farm tucked neatly behind Spilsby Road and just a stone's throw from Tower Road Academy's school gates. The 'garden' is an acre site with nearly fifty rows of vegetable beds, a fruit orchard, wildflower meadows, chicken coops, beehives, and greenhouses. And it was a chance meeting with Tom Houghton, owner of The Boston Market Garden, that somehow spiralled into weekly farming sessions with pupils from Key Stage 2. Together, we realised we have a shared vision that all children should have the opportunity to get outside, get hands-on and learn how the food we eat is grown. There is also the added bonus of fresh air and peace the garden space offers, perfect for promoting positive wellbeing.
Each week, thirty pupils take the short walk to the garden in small groups to see what Tom has in store for them. Tom has carefully planned a curriculum which involves seasonal farming tasks such as growing seeds, harvesting fruits and vegetables, crop protection and weeding, as well as flower arranging, pressing fruit into juices, and feeding the chickens.
When harvested, pupils set up a small stall outside school to sell the produce they've grown, such as new potatoes, flowers, leeks, sweet peas and sunflowers. Many pupils cook the produce at home for their tea.
Most importantly, the children love spending time outside, getting stuck in. Tom certainly has them working hard!
