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This week David wants his children to understand where food comes from and what are the easiest fruits or vegetables to grow with them?
Plus Olive joins us to answer your children’s questions, and Lee answers your parenting questions too!
Enjoyed this episode? How about sharing the love? Give us a glowing 5-star review, share on your socials, or spread the word to a neighbour! Leave your review, and you might snag a copy of our favourite "How to Get Kids Gardening" book.
Eager to create lasting memories while gardening with your children? Grab the "How to Get Kids Gardening" book for just £10 using discount code PODCAST. Every penny from the book goes back into supporting school gardening initiatives. Get your copy at https://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/how-to-get-kids-gardening-book
Transform your school garden journey by joining School Gardening Success today! Experience the outdoors, guided by teacher support, engaging video lessons, and equipped with all the essential tools for a blooming garden. Find out more at https://schoolgardeningsuccess.co.uk
This week Lee is asked how can you convince my school leadership team that gardening is worth investing in?
Plus Olive joins us to answer your children’s questions, and Lee answers your parenting questions too!
Enjoyed this episode? How about sharing the love? Give us a glowing 5-star review, share on your socials, or spread the word to a neighbour! Leave your review, and you might snag a copy of our favourite "How to Get Kids Gardening" book.
Eager to create lasting memories while gardening with your children? Grab the "How to Get Kids Gardening" book for just £10 using discount code PODCAST. Every penny from the book goes back into supporting school gardening initiatives. Get your copy at https://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/how-to-get-kids-gardening-book
Transform your school garden journey by joining School Gardening Success today! Experience the outdoors, guided by teacher support, engaging video lessons, and equipped with all the essential tools for a blooming garden. Find out more at https://schoolgardeningsuccess.co.uk
This week we talk about whether gardening can be added to Forest School and what are the benefits of forest school?
Plus Olive joins us to answer your children’s questions, and Lee answers your parenting questions too!
Enjoyed this episode? How about sharing the love? Give us a glowing 5-star review, share on your socials, or spread the word to a neighbour! Leave your review, and you might snag a copy of our favourite "How to Get Kids Gardening" book.
Eager to create lasting memories while gardening with your children? Grab the "How to Get Kids Gardening" book for just £10 using discount code PODCAST. Every penny from the book goes back into supporting school gardening initiatives. Get your copy at https://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/how-to-get-kids-gardening-book
Transform your school garden journey by joining School Gardening Success today! Experience the outdoors, guided by teacher support, engaging video lessons, and equipped with all the essential tools for a blooming garden. Find out more at https://schoolgardeningsuccess.co.uk
This week on the Skinny Jean Gardener Podcast, we tackle a key question from educators: What are the most cost-effective ways to start a school garden? 💰🌱
Gardening in schools doesn’t have to break the budget, and in this episode, I share practical, low-cost strategies to get students growing without hefty price tags. From free resources and community partnerships to creative upcycling and low-maintenance plants, we explore simple ways to bring gardening into the classroom—no matter your budget.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just passionate about getting kids outdoors, this episode is packed with real, actionable advice to make school gardening accessible for everyone.
Tune in and let’s grow together! 🎧🌿
Plus Olive joins us to answer your children’s questions, and Lee answers your parenting questions too!
Enjoyed this episode? How about sharing the love? Give us a glowing 5-star review, share on your socials, or spread the word to a neighbour! Leave your review, and you might snag a copy of our favourite "How to Get Kids Gardening" book.
Eager to create lasting memories while gardening with your children? Grab the "How to Get Kids Gardening" book for just £10 using discount code PODCAST. Every penny from the book goes back into supporting school gardening initiatives. Get your copy at https://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/how-to-get-kids-gardening-book
Transform your school garden journey by joining School Gardening Success today! Experience the outdoors, guided by teacher support, engaging video lessons, and equipped with all the essential tools for a blooming garden. Find out more at https://schoolgardeningsuccess.co.uk
"Our students love growing things, but we struggle to keep the garden going over the summer holidays. Any solutions?” Asks Mrs Taylor from Kent
Plus Olive joins us to answer your children’s questions, and Lee answers your parenting questions too!
Enjoyed this episode? How about sharing the love? Give us a glowing 5-star review, share on your socials, or spread the word to a neighbour! Leave your review, and you might snag a copy of our favourite "How to Get Kids Gardening" book.
Eager to create lasting memories while gardening with your children? Grab the "How to Get Kids Gardening" book for just £10 using discount code PODCAST. Every penny from the book goes back into supporting school gardening initiatives. Get your copy at https://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/how-to-get-kids-gardening-book
Transform your school garden journey by joining School Gardening Success today! Experience the outdoors, guided by teacher support, engaging video lessons, and equipped with all the essential tools for a blooming garden. Find out more at https://schoolgardeningsuccess.co.uk
"My son has sensory sensitivities. Are there any plants or gardening activities that might be particularly engaging for him?" asks Tom from Edinburgh
Plus Olive joins us to answer your children’s questions, and Lee answers your parenting questions too!
Enjoyed this episode? How about sharing the love? Give us a glowing 5-star review, share on your socials, or spread the word to a neighbour! Leave your review, and you might snag a copy of our favourite "How to Get Kids Gardening" book.
Eager to create lasting memories while gardening with your children? Grab the "How to Get Kids Gardening" book for just £10 using discount code PODCAST. Every penny from the book goes back into supporting school gardening initiatives. Get your copy at https://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/how-to-get-kids-gardening-book
Transform your school garden journey by joining School Gardening Success today! Experience the outdoors, guided by teacher support, engaging video lessons, and equipped with all the essential tools for a blooming garden. Find out more at https://schoolgardeningsuccess.co.uk
This week on the podcast, Chay asks an important question: "How can parents encourage schools to start gardening?" We’ll dive into practical ways parents can inspire teachers and school leaders to bring gardening into the curriculum, highlighting the benefits of outdoor learning for children’s wellbeing, education, and connection to nature.
We’ll also explore the possibilities of growing flowers in small spaces—whether you have a tiny garden, a balcony, or just a windowsill, there are plenty of ways to bring color and wildlife into your home.
Plus, we tackle a crucial topic: children’s self-esteem. How can we support kids when they’re feeling low? Gardening can play a powerful role in building confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement.
Tune in for expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiration to get kids growing!
Enjoyed this episode? How about sharing the love? Give us a glowing 5-star review, share on your socials, or spread the word to a neighbour! Leave your review, and you might snag a copy of our favourite "How to Get Kids Gardening" book.
Eager to create lasting memories while gardening with your children? Grab the "How to Get Kids Gardening" book for just £10 using discount code PODCAST. Every penny from the book goes back into supporting school gardening initiatives. Get your copy at https://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/how-to-get-kids-gardening-book
Transform your school garden journey by joining School Gardening Success today! Experience the outdoors, guided by teacher support, engaging video lessons, and equipped with all the essential tools for a blooming garden. Find out more at https://schoolgardeningsuccess.co.uk
This week Sophie from London asks: "Lee, your book on getting kids into gardening was a game-changer for me! But my daughter is glued to her tablet. How can I encourage her to swap screen time for gardening?"
Enjoyed this episode? How about sharing the love? Give us a glowing 5-star review, share on your socials, or spread the word to a neighbour! Leave your review, and you might snag a copy of our favourite "How to Get Kids Gardening" book.
Eager to create lasting memories while gardening with your children? Grab the "How to Get Kids Gardening" book for just £10 using discount code PODCAST. Every penny from the book goes back into supporting school gardening initiatives. Get your copy at https://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/how-to-get-kids-gardening-book
Transform your school garden journey by joining School Gardening Success today! Experience the outdoors, guided by teacher support, engaging video lessons, and equipped with all the essential tools for a blooming garden. Find out more at https://schoolgardeningsuccess.co.uk
This Week on the Podcast! 🎙️🌿
James asks a great question—can you truly turn a small balcony into a thriving family gardening space? We explore how to make the most of a compact area while still incorporating the three pillars of gardening: growing, caring for wildlife, and saving water. Whether you have a tiny outdoor space or just a few pots, we’ll chat about how to maximize every inch! 🌱🏡
But that’s not all! I throw Olive a tricky question about mulch… but she’s quick to turn the tables with this week’s parenting question, which completely catches me off guard! 😅
Expect plenty of gardening chat, unexpected laughs, and some top tips for making gardening accessible, no matter the size of your space!
Enjoyed this episode? How about sharing the love? Give us a glowing 5-star review, share on your socials, or spread the word to a neighbour! Leave your review, and you might snag a copy of our favourite "How to Get Kids Gardening" book.
Eager to create lasting memories while gardening with your children? Grab the "How to Get Kids Gardening" book for just £10 using discount code PODCAST. Every penny from the book goes back into supporting school gardening initiatives. Get your copy at https://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/how-to-get-kids-gardening-book
Transform your school garden journey by joining School Gardening Success today! Experience the outdoors, guided by teacher support, engaging video lessons, and equipped with all the essential tools for a blooming garden. Find out more at https://schoolgardeningsuccess.co.uk
🎧 This Week on the Podcast: Gardening Tips for School Reception Classes! 🌱🏫
On this week’s episode of the Skinny Jean Gardener Podcast, Lee is diving into some essential gardening tips for Reception classes! 🌿✨
Getting little ones involved in gardening at school can be a game-changer—not just for their learning but for their confidence, creativity, and connection with nature. But where do you start? How do you keep them engaged? And what are the best plants and activities for young children?
Lee will be sharing simple, hands-on ideas to make gardening fun, accessible, and manageable for teachers and TAs. From easy-to-grow plants and sensory garden ideas to top tips on keeping little hands busy without the mess—this episode is packed with practical advice!
🌼 Perfect for:
✅ Teachers & TAs looking to introduce gardening into their classroom
✅ Parents who want to encourage their child’s love for nature
✅ Anyone keen to inspire the next generation of green-fingered learners!
Tune in now and let’s get growing!
Enjoyed this episode? How about sharing the love? Give us a glowing 5-star review, share on your socials, or spread the word to a neighbour! Leave your review, and you might snag a copy of our favourite "How to Get Kids Gardening" book.
Eager to create lasting memories while gardening with your children? Grab the "How to Get Kids Gardening" book for just £10 using discount code PODCAST. Every penny from the book goes back into supporting school gardening initiatives. Get your copy at https://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/how-to-get-kids-gardening-book
Transform your school garden journey by joining School Gardening Success today! Experience the outdoors, guided by teacher support, engaging video lessons, and equipped with all the essential tools for a blooming garden. Find out more at https://schoolgardeningsuccess.co.uk
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to The Children's Gardening Coach: Dear Diary.
A behind-the-scenes look at the life of one of the UK's leading children's gardening educators.
Follow Lee Connelly, as seen on CBBC Blue Peter and BBC Teach, as he travels the UK and the world, inspiring children, families and schools to discover the joy of gardening.
Building on the success of his award-winning Skinny Jean Gardener Podcast—recognised by The Sunday Times and the UK's number one children's gardening podcast—Dear Diary offers a more personal glimpse into the stories behind the headlines.
From major national campaigns and international projects to the realities of family life and running a business, this is where the conversations continue long after the cameras stop rolling.
Expect exclusive podcasts, untold stories, friends, plenty of laughs, honest reflections, adventures, and the occasional gardening debate—all from the heart of an industry that's helping to create a greener future for the next generation.