CHILDREN from a Wokingham school have been swapping pebbles for seeds.
The pupils at Floreat Montague Park were given a pebble from Squire’s Garden Centre in Heathlands Road.
If they painted them to look like a vegetable, they could then return the pebble and exchange it for a packet of vegetable seeds.
And Squire’s is delighted with the result, which saw hundreds of children take part across the south east.
Sarah Squire, the company’s chairman, said: “It was lovely to see the children’s beautiful creations which have been proudly displayed at each of our 16 garden centres.
“We had everything from carrots to potatoes, and peas to broccoli.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the children who took part, and I hope that they enjoy planting their pack of seeds at home.
“As well as inspiring them to grow their own, hopefully it might encourage some of them to love eating their greens.”
And Sarah said that it is still possible to plant vegetables at home. Contended for the winter months include onions and garlic, which can be planted outdoors, winter lettuce and spring onions, which can be planted in a cold frame or under cloches.
It’s possible to plant indoors or in the greenhouse the following: chilli peppers, basil, dill, chives and parsley.
And broad beans, peas and perpetual spinach can be sown outdoors.