A quarter of children have never grown their own fruit and veg, study finds

A quarter of children have never planted a seed, grown their own fruit or veg – or done gardening of any kind. The study of 1,000 children, aged six to eight years old, found 25 percent of kids are yet to grow a sunflower, cultivate their own cress, or pick strawberries.

Of those who have never enjoyed such activities, six in ten (61 percent) are keen to try it out, and discover for themselves first-hand how fun it can be.

And 77 percent would particularly like the chance to do more gardening at their school or nursery than they’re currently able to.

The OnePoll study was carried out for Penguin Random House Children’s, in partnership with non-profit garden designers, Grow to Know, as part of the “Grow with Peter Rabbit” initiative.

The ongoing campaign was launched last year to provide schools and families with free gardening activities and resources – including a new online quiz testing our knowledge of fruit and veg.

Speaking ahead of Beatrix Potter’s birthday on Friday, July 28, Izzy Richardson, global owned brand director for the publisher, said: “It’s heartening to see how many children are keen to get involved in gardening and growing.

“It’s our aim with “Grow with Peter Rabbit” to continue Beatrix Potter’s legacy of conservation, and to share her deep love of the natural world, which so inspired her stories, with a new generation.

“By encouraging children’s interest in nature and gardening, and supporting schools and families with free gardening resources and activities, we can ensure they benefit from the joy that spending time outside can bring.”

Of those who have had the chance to cultivate their own plants and more, 48 percent said their favourite thing about the process was seeing the fruit or vegetable gradually grow over days and weeks.

And four in ten enjoyed being able to spend time outside, while the same number liked being able to eat what they grew once it was ready.

Further to this, 36 percent believe self-grown fruit and veg tastes “much better” than the produce typically found in supermarkets.

The most common fruit grown by those polled are strawberries (44 percent), apples (20 percent), and raspberries (16 percent).

And the most-grown vegetables are tomatoes (42 percent), carrots (33 percent), and potatoes (30 percent).

Tayshan Hayden-Smith, of Grow to Know, said: “It’s so important that we bring growing to the masses – especially the future generations.

“Linking up with Penguin Random House Children’s for “Grow with Peter Rabbit” has been revolutionary in how we can action change by planting seeds.

“Creating dedicated spaces – such as the Peter Rabbit Garden we created last year in North Kensington – and developing engaging resources for schools and families, are crucial steps in supporting children’s learning and well-being.”