As we have already explained in a previous article, synergistic agriculture is a method for cultivating the land that is respectful of nature and at the same time capable of guaranteeing rich and genuine harvests. In particular synergistic agriculture encourages agricultural production that uses the soil’s self-fertility.
In various schools in Italy synergistic vegetable garden projects have been started from early childhood, but why can a synergistic vegetable garden transform into a real educational project? What can synergistic agriculture teach our children?
To take care of the soil and cultivate biodiversity.
Children learn how to nourish the soil by exploiting the synergistic action of plants and covering the soil with mulch. In this way they know and learn to recognise different plants and beneficial insects and internalise the concept that chemical products are not needed to have results both in quantitative and qualitative terms. It could also be a way to bring children closer to the flavours and consumption of vegetables which often proves difficult.
Earth and plants collaborate with each other.
In synergistic agriculture earth and plants operate in synergy if the right ecosystem is created. The earth allows plants to grow and at the same time plants fertilise the soil and help each other in growth thanks to companion planting. This vision of energies that unite for the achievement of a single purpose can also be read in a metaphorical key, bringing with it the concept of collaboration between people and respect for diversity which, if properly valued, can bring great wealth and value to the entire society.
In nature there are no waste products.
Children learn that in synergistic agriculture lawn cuttings, straw, cardboard, compost, sawdust, etc., are not simply scraps or waste to get rid of, but are useful tools for cultivating vegetable gardens. In particular the wet fraction of our waste can transform into a precious resource: compost, to be used in creating the seedbed and for transplanting seedlings. Straw or sawdust are excellent materials for mulching, as are grass cuttings and dry leaves.
Respecting nature’s timing.
For the new generations who are growing up accustomed to interacting with the most technological devices, the fastest connections and instant communications, learning a new dimension of time, made up of slower rhythms and cycles that repeat can be a good lesson to teach our children. Being patient, respecting nature’s rhythms and taking care of things over time are teachings that certainly can only enrich children, primarily in their development as ethical, respectful and conscious people.
