Pembuatan Kebun Mini sebagai Sarana Belajar Mengenal Sayuran untuk Anak Usia Dini di TK PGRI Kabekelan

Abstract

Low knowledge of and limited interest in vegetables among young children is a fundamental problem linked to the formation of healthy eating habits during the growth period; one contributing factor is children's limited direct experience with food cultivation, including a tendency toward picky eating that risks inadequate nutrition. Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN), a form of community service carried out by university students, provided space to address this problem through a mini garden program at TK PGRI Kabekelan, Prembun Subdistrict, Kebumen Regency, aimed at introducing various types of vegetables to young children through concrete, applicable, and enjoyable learning experiences. The implementation method consisted of five stages: observation and coordination with the school, land and planting-media preparation, planting activities involving the children, plant-care mentoring, and program evaluation. The vegetables planted included water spinach, spinach, mustard greens, tomatoes, and chili peppers, chosen for their ease of cultivation and relatively short harvest period. Program success was measured through four observation-based indicators: children's ability to recognize vegetable names and shapes, active involvement in planting and plant care, willingness to try or consume vegetables, and attitudes of responsibility and environmental care. Observation results showed improvement across all indicators: children who initially could not identify vegetable types could name and distinguish the leaf shapes of at least four kinds of vegetables, showed high enthusiasm throughout the planting and maintenance process, and became willing to taste vegetables from their own harvest. The program also instilled responsibility, patience, and environmental awareness in the children and produced a mini garden that the school can sustainably use as an outdoor learning medium.