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early childhood children learning gardening

Grow vegetable gardens for every season with children.

Practical, curriculum-linked garden guidance designed for early childhood teachers in New Zealand who want to bring gardening to life in their centres, without overwhelm or guesswork. 

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You want to garden with tamariki in your centre... but it feels harder than it should

  • You're not sure what to grow, or when

  • It feels overwhelming gardening with a group of enthusiastic children

  • The garden space is unused or isn't working

  • You need clear links between gardening and Te Whāriki

  • You want to feel capable

Kia ora, I'm Anita Croft

I created Growing Kiwi Gardeners because I saw garden spaces in early childhood centres being unused, and teachers who genuinely want to garden but don’t know where to begin.

​

Drawing on 20+ years in early childhood education, I help teachers confidently create meaningful garden-based learning experiences—without needing to be gardening experts. I’ve  been supporting teachers to successfully garden with children since 2018.

 

  • I hold a BTchLN (Hons) + MEd (ECE & Sustainability)

  • I have years of centre experience gardening with tamariki

  • I use a Te Whāriki aligned approach to gardening

 

I understand your reality — and I can help

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Children learning to garden with vegetables

A simple, clear way to get started

1

Join the course

2

Follow the plan

3

Grow with confidence

'Gardening with Tamariki'
Online Course

6-module framework, plus a bonus module
Downloadable PDF resources
Clear links to Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum
Monthly guidance emails
Practical learning experiences for ECE centres

All for just $249

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When gardens sit unused, everyone misses out

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  • Garden remains unused   

  • Tamariki miss out on real-world learning about where food comes from

  • Gardening stays theoretical

  • You’re left thinking“I wish we’d made it work”

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Imagine this instead…

  • Tamariki harvesting what they planted themselves

  • Conversations about growth, weather, insects, and nutrition happening naturally

  • Whānau noticing the impact    

  • You feeling confident and capable

  • Gardening becomes part of your centre rhythm - not an extra burden      

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Other ways to work with me

Gardening
for Tamariki:
In-Person Programme

Available in Christchurch only

Available for centres in Christchurch and nearby areas, I come to your centre and facilitate a gardening programme with you and your tamariki.

Professional Development for Early Childhood Teachers & ECEs

Whether you’re an individual teacher wanting fresh ideas, or a centre team ready to create a stronger nature-based learning culture, my webinars and workshops will give you the tools, confidence, and inspiration to make it happen.

 

Turn your garden into a powerful space for learning, wellbeing, and connection

Teaching Resources

Introduce your tamariki to the wonderful world of vegetables with our engaging and educational Young Gardener Memory Game and Young Gardeners Bi-lingual Flashcards.​

Support your tamariki in their garden tasks with child-friendly gardening accessories

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