I think we put far too much interest in trying to get ten to 20 year olds interested in gardening. I think you should do everything you can to try and get them interested up to the age of 10.

The quote "I think we put far too much interest in trying to get ten to 20 year olds interested in gardening. I think you should do everything you can to try and get them interested up to the age of 10" by Monty Don highlights the importance of early exposure to gardening. Don suggests that rather than focusing on teenagers and young adults, more effort should be directed towards engaging children, particularly under the age of 10, with gardening. According to Don, the younger a person is introduced to the joys and responsibilities of gardening, the more likely they are to develop a lifelong connection to nature and sustainable practices.

Don’s words emphasize the importance of forming habits and fostering a love for gardening in childhood, when children are more open to new experiences and learning. By encouraging children to explore the natural world early on, they may gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment, which could lead to a more sustainable future. This approach focuses on building a foundation that nurtures both knowledge and curiosity about nature from a young age.

The quote also suggests that the challenge of getting teenagers and young adults interested in gardening may be more difficult because, by that age, their interests and lifestyles may be more influenced by other factors such as technology or social trends. Gardening may not seem as engaging or relevant to them. In contrast, introducing gardening to children in a fun and hands-on way may spark a lasting interest in nature and sustainable living as they grow.

Monty Don, a respected British gardener and television presenter, has long advocated for the educational and emotional benefits of gardening. His quote reflects his belief in the power of early education and the need to cultivate a connection to nature in younger generations. Don’s experience in gardening and working with various audiences has informed his perspective on how best to engage people with the natural world. Through his statement, Don encourages us to prioritize fostering an early love for gardening as a way to ensure that future generations understand and care for the environment.