The School Vege Challenge 2022 is here
By Paul Brooks
Springvale Garden Centre, in partnership with NZME and its media channels – Whanganui Midweek, Whanganui Chronicle, Herald Online and its associated social media – is making vegetable gardening a growing competition among Whanganui's schools.
Information and applications went out in term four of last year and, so far, 11 schools have enrolled.
"We've opened it up to intermediate and secondary schools, as well," says Gareth Carter, general manager of Springvale Garden Centre. "The response has been quite good, and some who were in there last year hit the reply button immediately."
Application details were delivered to all eligible schools.
When schools enrol they are given a document with all relevant information and key dates for the competition.
The goal is to introduce gardening as a life skill to school students, enabling them to grow food as well as enjoy the recreational and mental health benefits of working in the soil and growing vegetables. Gardening is a skill they can use, profit from and enjoy for the rest of their lives.
To begin their gardening venture each school is given a starter kit with product and material supplied by their sponsors: Yates NZ, Zealandia Horticulture, Eastown Timber, Tui Garden Products and Ican Products.
Included in the pack are seeds, organic spray, seed raising mix, vegetable punnets, timber planter boxes, vegetable mix, snail and slug bait and vege food.
Points will be awarded under the following categories: People's Choice Award; Most Innovative Garden; Carrot Growing; Broccoli Growing; Best Looking Garden. Accumulated points will decide an overall winner.
