How the six weeks work
The project starts with one planting session, followed by a short check-in each week until there’s enough to harvest. Here is what the slides cover, so you can answer questions without having to re-read them mid-lesson.
- Session 1, planting: pairs research their herb (depth, light, watering, germination time), agree a plan, then fill a labelled pot with compost, moisten it, and sow their seeds.
- Weekly check-ins: pairs check the compost, water as needed, watch for shoots, thin out overcrowded seedlings, and log progress in their tracker tab.
- Photos each week help pairs build a visual record and make the final writeup easier.
- The family cooking challenge happens at home once there’s enough to harvest. Pairs cook something using their herb and reflect on the experience back in class.
Worth flagging to parents or carers in advance: pairs will bring a small amount of homegrown herb home to cook with, and an adult should help or supervise.
Before you begin: what to gather
The project is set up for ten pairs, each growing a different herb. Most of what you need is inexpensive and easy to find at a supermarket or garden centre. Order or gather it at least a week before your first session, so seeds and compost have time to arrive.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small plant pots (or a divided seed tray) | 10 | One per pair. Around 8–10cm wide is plenty for a herb. |
| Multi-purpose or seed compost | 1 large bag | Enough to fill 10 pots, with a little spare for topping up. |
| Seed packets, one per herb | 10 packets | See the herb list below. Garden centres and supermarkets both stock these. |
| Plant labels or masking tape and a pen | 10 | So each pair can mark their pot with their herb and planting date. |
| Watering can or spray bottle | 1–2, shared | A spray bottle gives more control for younger pairs and delicate seedlings. |
| Saucers or a tray to catch drips | 10 (or 1 large tray) | These protect windowsills and shelves. It is worth checking with site staff first. |
| A sunny windowsill or shelf | Enough space for 10 pots | Most of these herbs want good light. Group pots together if space is tight. |
| The tracker | Printed, or shared digitally | One tab per pair. You can download it below. |
This project does involve a small amount of preparation, and possibly a modest spend on compost and seeds. Everything else, the slides, the tracker and the resource pack, is ready for you.
The ten herbs
Allocate one herb per pair. Herbs are listed with a simple dish idea for the family cooking challenge, though pairs aren’t limited to these.
| Herb | A dish it suits |
|---|---|
| Italian basil | Pesto and pasta |
| Thai basil | Stir-fries and noodles |
| Rosemary | Roast potatoes |
| Peppermint | Tea and fresh salads |
| Coriander | Salsas and curries |
| Flat-leaf parsley | Garnish and tabbouleh |
| Thyme | Roast chicken and soup |
| Common chives | Scrambled eggs |
| Oregano | Pizza and tomato sauce |
| Dill | Dill potatoes and fish |
A look inside
Get the full project
Everything a teacher needs for this project, ready to download and use with your form.
The project slides
The full deck for every session with your form, from planting through to the family cooking challenge.
Download ExcelWeekly tracker
One tab per pair, for logging progress every week from planting to harvest.
Download Printable PDFTeacher resource pack
Materials list, checklist and session notes, ready to print before your first session.
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