Our Year 4 pupils enjoyed a wonderful day at Lower Ladysden Farm in the beautiful Kent countryside. With bright sunshine overhead and excitement in the air, pupils set off into the strawberry fields, punnets in hand, ready to hunt for the juiciest, ripest berries. During the visit, Farmer Steve shared fascinating facts about how strawberries are grown. Pupils discovered that the plants are grown in coco coir, a natural by-product of coconut husks, and learned how different nutrients help the plants thrive. Phosphorous supports strong root growth, while nitrogen encourages healthy leaves and stems. They were amazed to learn that strawberries are the only fruit with their seeds on the outside, with around 200 seeds on every berry. Even more surprising, strawberries belong to the rose family and are not technically berries at all.
To finish the day, each pupil planted their own pumpkin plant to take home and care for over the summer months. There was also time to explore the farm and enjoy the fresh country air before heading back to school with full tummies, happy memories and punnets overflowing with delicious, sun-ripened strawberries.
