General winter gardening advice

[ChrisJB]

From September I am due to start a gardening group with a small group of kids I teach, probably an hour a week. However as autumn and winter will soon follow, I am at a loss for any winter gardening/planting activities I can do with them to keep them occupied. Has anyone any ideas? For example, can any veg' be sown in autumn or winter? Can any plants go out? Any other tasks to keep them entertained for an hour a week would be very welcome.

Regards, Chris

[Stinky Bob]

Loads of veg can be planted over the late Autumn/Winter, here some that I will be doing:

Garlic
Japanese Onions
Broad Beans
Spring Cabbage
Shallots
Peas

[Jez]

Trees can be planted/pruned. October/November plant spring bulbs

[ChrisJB]

Great stuff, thanks. Any other things to do anyone?

Regards, Chris

[mrbright]

How about making some easy to make bee hotels, and explaining pollination of plants at the same time (wet weather idea maybe)
what sort of age are we talking about?

[artdemole]

Thats a good thing to do to get younger generation involved with gardens. Here is a basic list of topics.

Planning-Preparation of soil-Tools to use-List of plants/seeds to grow-Poly tunnel use-Cloches-greenhouse growing-Safety in gardens-Use of compost. fertilizers-Natural predators- Watering-Use of flowers with vegetables-Attracting insects for pollination. Hope this is what you are after..

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by mrbright

How about making some easy to make bee hotels, and explaining pollination of plants at the same time (wet weather idea maybe)
what sort of age are we talking about?

Teenagers, and stroppy ones at that! Some great ideas folks.

Regards, Chris