Our new activity and recipe books for the kitchen garden
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The books offer 65 activities and 57 recipes tailored for children.
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Practical and engaging resources make kitchen garden learning simple, adaptable, and aligned with children’s interests.
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Exclusive to Kitchen Garden Program members, the books provide ready‑to‑use guidance and tips.
Our updated Themed Activities and Recipes books for the Kitchen Garden Program are here! Packed with 65 activities and 57 recipes tailored for children, these resources are designed to make kitchen garden learning simple and engaging for educators across Australia.
“We’ve been listening closely to educators, and what we hear consistently is their passion for creating meaningful experiences despite heavy workloads and staffing challenges. They wanted a resource that made kitchen garden activities simple and ready to go,” says Kitchen Garden Program Manager Natasha Grogan.
The books draw on child‑initiated play, encouraging exploration of children’s interests while fostering a sense of belonging, being, and becoming.
The children of Story House Early Learning Mascot picking mint for a recipe from the Themed Activities and Recipes books
Chapters are organised by themes such as water, soil, and connecting to Country, with activities ranging from sprouting seeds and making clay fossils to building a worm farm and creating rain in a jar. Each activity includes inquiry questions, EYLF outcomes, clear instructions, and practical tips.
Recipes like smoky eggplant dip, beetroot raita and broccoli slaw are seasonal, simple, and delicious.
“The books are practical, engaging, and designed to save time. If you have a child showing an interest in living creatures or you’re celebrating connecting to Country, all you need to do is head to that chapter and your kitchen garden activities and recipes are ready and waiting for you,” adds Natasha.
Favourite picks
We asked Early Childhood Coordinator Laura Norton to share her favourite recipe and activity from the books:
Recipe: Saltbush crisps
“This engaging recipe is perfect for little hands, from beginning to end. Children can harvest the leaves from the native garden, massage oil into the soft leaves, sprinkle seasonings, and then munch and crunch the crispy result. It’s a treat for the senses and so simple to cook!”
A glimpse of the Themed Activities and Recipes books
Activity: Who lives in the soil
“Soil is full of diverse organisms, both invisible and visible to the eye. This activity offers endless learning opportunities — from sensory exploration to investigation and imagination. So much can be discovered through a single handful of soil!”
Wherever you are on your kitchen garden journey, these books provide confidence and guidance to deliver a program that adapts to children’s needs while linking to all aspects of learning.
The Themed Activities and Recipes books are available exclusively to Kitchen Garden Program members and can be purchased here.
Not a Kitchen Garden Program member? To find out more, please reach out to our Kitchen Garden team at membership@kitchengardenfoundation.org.au or 1300 072 543.
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