Slow Pedagogy: Allotment Play in the Early Years

The Benefits of Allotment Play in the Early Years 🌱

Imagine a space where children can dig in the soil, water seeds, pull up carrots, and taste sun-warmed strawberries they’ve grown themselves. Allotments offer just that—a living, breathing classroom full of opportunities for play, discovery, and connection.

In the early years, play in an allotment setting is about so much more than gardening. It nurtures the whole child—physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively—while fostering a deep relationship with nature and the rhythms of the seasons. We love visiting our friends allotment and noticing the seasonal changes. It's such a beautiful space to slow down and be present in the moment without the distraction of toys, noise and too much. 

🌿 Physical and Cognitive Growth

Allotment play provides rich opportunities for developing both fine and gross motor skills. Digging, carrying watering cans, planting seeds, and pulling up vegetables all strengthen muscles and coordination. At the same time, children are making sense of the world around them—learning about lifecycles, growth, weather, and the science of living things through hands-on experience.

Every day in the allotment brings a new puzzle: How much water does this plant need? Why has the sunflower grown taller than me? How can we keep the slugs away? These moments build curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

🌸 Emotional Wellbeing and Mindfulness

There’s something calming about working with soil, watering plants, or waiting for seeds to sprout. The rhythm of allotment play naturally encourages mindfulness and supports children’s emotional regulation.

Gardening also teaches patience. Plants don’t grow overnight, and children quickly learn the value of nurturing, waiting, and caring consistently. When that first strawberry ripens or the pumpkin patch bursts into life, the sense of pride and achievement is enormous.

🤝 Social and Community Connection

Allotments are wonderful places for collaboration. Children work together to dig, plant, and harvest, learning teamwork and responsibility along the way. Caring for living things gives them a sense of ownership, while also helping them to understand the importance of sharing resources and taking turns.

Often, allotments also create intergenerational and community links. Families, grandparents, or local volunteers might get involved, weaving a beautiful connection between children’s learning and the wider community.

🍎 Health, Food, and Lifestyle Benefits

When children grow their own fruit and vegetables, they become naturally curious about food. A child who has sown lettuce seeds and watched them grow is far more likely to taste salad leaves at the table.

Spending extended time outdoors also boosts children’s physical health and supports their immune systems. At the same time, they’re gaining early awareness of sustainability and where food comes from—vital lessons for the future.

✨ A Hygge Approach to Nature-Connected Learning

Allotment play aligns perfectly with a Hygge-inspired approach to early education. It invites us to slow down, notice small wonders, and celebrate the simple joys of childhood. Whether it’s the excitement of spotting the first green shoot poking through the soil or the awe of discovering a wriggling worm, allotments help children find magic in everyday moments.

Living and learning in rhythm with the seasons fosters connection—not only with nature, but with ourselves and each other.

Here we are discovering the Large White Butterfly caterpillars and giving space to observe, wonder and ask questions. 

👉 Do you want to bring more nature, wonder, and seasonal learning into your early years practice?
Join my Rewilding Your Nature Study Training and discover how to create magical, outdoor-inspired experiences that connect children deeply with the natural world.

✨ Join Wanderlust Training Today ✨