Gardening is viewed as a life skill at Ballinlough NS. It is very important for children to connect with nature and learn how important it is to look after the world around them. Children learn how to grow vegetables and sow seeds. They learn how to look after the seedlings while enjoying the process of seeing their flowers bloom. Biodiversity is encouraged by creating bug hotels, and wildflower/ butterfly gardens. A polytunnel has been added to the school grounds and this is a very worthwhile addition.