Guthrie Street Childcare Centre was abuzz yesterday morning, as children worked hard to beautify their veggie patches.

Joined by staff members from hardware store Bunnings Warehouse, the children helped plant peas, corn, tomato, lettuce, cauliflower and strawberries in their existing planter boxes.

The centre’s four-year-old kindergarten teacher Jessica Maguire said the students were excited to receive a visit from Bunnings.

‘‘The kids love the veggie patch,’’ Ms Maguire said.

‘‘They take turns watering and love coming out to check things are growing.’’

Ms Maguire said the garden encouraged children to eat healthy, while emphasising some of the centre’s key learning points about caring for the environment and skills in taking ownership and responsibility.

‘‘We find if they’ve seen it grow, they are more inclined to eat it.’’ she said.

Ms Maguire also said the vegetables planted were ‘‘kid friendly’’ and would be used for afternoon tea at the centre.

Bunnings Warehouse complex manager Deb Thompson said it was encouraging to see a number of schools and kindergartens investing in vegetable gardens.

‘‘It’s really important for the kids to eat healthy and to know where their food comes from,’’ Ms Thompson said.

Any schools, kindergartens or not-for-profit organisations interested in learning more about a visit from Bunnings staff can phone activities organiser Jillian Goodman on 58257200 or sheppartonwhao@bunnings. com.au