The children will get their hands in the soil—digging, hoeing, plowing, sowing, planting, watering, pruning—and exploring the garden space.

Theoretical stage:

The children will learn about:

• How plants grow
• The steps in the agricultural cycle: plowing, sowing, planting, watering, pruning, spraying
• The importance of vegetables and garden produce in a healthy diet
• The classification of plants (grasses, herbs, shrubs, trees)
• Different categories of plants based on their use: ornamental, aromatic herbs, vegetables, fruit-bearing trees
• The basic tools used by farmers and gardeners
• The most common types of vegetables and trees
• Manure as an organic fertilizer
• Principles of organic farming
• The local wild flora and native plants

Hands-On Activities:

The children will:

• Dig, hoe, sow seeds, plant seedlings
• Fertilize using organic compost
• Water the plants and care for them

They’ll also explore:

• The orchard, with trees native to the Malliontas valley—apple, peach, apricot, sour cherry, plum, pear, fig, almond, walnut, and more
• The vegetable garden, with seasonal crops like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cabbages, zucchinis, and more
• An organic greenhouse as an extension of the visit

Extension Activities:

Visits to an organic greenhouse in Tavari or Chrousos, nearby gardens and orchards, and interviews with local gardeners. The program also includes a visit to the Agricultural Cooperative in Mesotopos and a conversation with an agronomist.