Plant Like a Ninja

This beautiful illustration is from the book ‘Aroha Knows’ by Rebekah Lipp and Craig Phillips. It’s a great book about the importance of connecting with nature.

Planting a tree is a great way to connect with nature. It is an incredible feeling to think that where you choose to put that seedling, is where it will be for many years to come. It will become a home to birds and insects and it will provide fresh air and shelter for future generations.

Check out the video below to learn the planting technique that we use at Kids Greening Taupō, then find a special spot to plant a tree.

Remember:

1. Respect the tree and learn a little bit about it

2. Dig the hole and put the soil neatly beside it

3. Put a fertiliser tablet into the hole, if you have one, and cover it with a little soil

4. Take the plant out of the plastic pot/bag and tickle the roots, so that they grow out, and not in a circle

5. Put it into the hole, level with the ground

6. Rake the dirt back into the hole around the plant with your fingers

7. Push the dirt into all the holes around the plant firmly using karate chop hands

8. Carefully stomp the dirt down around the tree with your feet (around the tree shuffle)

9. Do the 'Pukeko Pull Test'- Give the top of the tree a wee tug and if it comes out of the ground, it needs to be replanted more firmly!