In the context of Matariki in New Zealand, planting by the moon, based on the Maori lunar calendar, involves aligning planting activities with specific lunar phases to optimise growth.
Gardening offers numerous social benefits for tamariki, fostering teamwork and communication. Gardening also provides an opportunity for children to learn through their senses and provides positive outcomes for health and well-being.
At BestStart Waihi East tamariki help to plant flowers, spinach, cauliflower and they are actively involved in the harvesting of carrots that they have grown.
The children are enthusiastic and enjoying helping their kaiako Julie. There is nothing like connecting with nature. We talk about what plants need for their well-being to grow and flourish. The children are shown how to support a plant underneath whilst transplanting it from the punnet into the holes they have created in the soil.
We will share this kai once it has grown on our community stall called the "Sharing Shed." Whenua is the source of abundance, which we can share with others - when we grow our kai we are learning to be healthy, self-sufficient and resourceful. We can also gift the surplus within our community, fostering relationships through this flow of aroha.