Happiness is... a hoe, hoe, hoe

Pupils in schools that encourage gardening become more resilient,

confident and live healthier lives, according to a study commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society .

The society is calling for school gardening to be used as a key teaching tool, rather than simply as an extra curricular activity.

Researchers at the National Foundation for Educational Research surveyed 1,300 school teachers and studied 10 schools in depth to examine the impact of school gardening on pupils.

The findings show that teachers who use gardening as part of learning report that it helps to improve children's readiness to learn, and encourages them to become more active in solving problems. It also helps to boost children's literacy and numeracy skills.

The report says: "Fundamental to the success of school gardens in stimulating a love of learning was their ability to translate sometimes dry academic subjects into practical, real world experiences."

Gardening also helps teach children about healthy living and healthy eating.