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Morgan · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 10:32 am Post subject: Suggestions Welcome

This is planning a long way in advance, but I will be going to one of our local schools and working with a first grade class to plant a garden early next spring.

I need to come up with some things that I can plant with the kids in a traditional garden that will grow and mature fairly quickly so the kids can enjoy the fruits of thier labor before the school year ends.

Any suggestion that you have would be appreciated.

Morgan
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Tsi'ta · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 10:46 am Post subject:

I'd contact my local nursery now and talk to them about this project. I think they might be willing to start some plants way in advance for you so that the kids could harvest the veggies before the end of the next school year.
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Susan · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2010 5:50 pm Post subject:

This is doable but not easy.
I need to ask the mission of the garden?
There are few things that you can plant by seed and harvest by end of May, either veggie or flowers. Radish and lettuce come to mind.
A few things you can start early in peat pellets, inside, but then the transplanting etc is sometimes tricky. Not discouraging, but a problem.
An obvious question is the garden space? What, where (sun/shade), size etc etc.
Again, the first question is the mission and purpose of the garden. We can go from there.
Susan-speaking as a gardener and have worked garden centers
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Morgan · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2010 6:54 pm Post subject:

Mission of the garden: putting it simply, just getting the kids hands in the dirt. Letting them take part in planting, tending, (hopefully) harvesting and eating something that they have had a part in growing. With the less rural we become, the less exposure kids have to the history and culture of agrarian society.

As far as size and location, that is yet to be determined, but I would say probably a small 10x10 or so. This is still in the very early planning stages, just wanted to pick your brains and maybe get some ideas to consider.

Incidentally, this teacher has also inherited responsibility for the schools "Arkansas Room" that is dedicated to the history of the state and area. She has already told me that she wants my help and activity in presenting the early history of Arkansas to the kids. I'm pretty excited about it, it will most likely give me opportunity throughout the year to help bring history to life for the kids.

Morgan
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Lane · Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 281 Location: Summer Shade, KY

I think it's a great project, Morgan. Good luck!
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Bill in Oregon · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 6:36 am Post subject:

Morgan: You can plant garlic in the fall and harvest it about the end of the school year, but kids may not be that interested in it. However, if you use the garlic with butter on fresh home-baked bread, the kids will get the picture!

Bill in Oregon · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 6:41 am Post subject:

P.S. Lane: Love your Web site. Wish Kentucky were closer.

Susan · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 8:15 am Post subject:

A suggestion. Check out the seed packets, many still out, at the garden center area of your local store. Look at planting time, time until harvest etc. Don't buy seeds now, but this will help with a time frame.
Your last frost date about April 15, which leaves a short window until school being out. Some early stuff can be planted Before frost date. I am thinking peas, carrots (?), radish, lettuce, spinach, chard. Not all of these appealing to a 6 yr old!!
Marigolds an easy flower, and perhaps start in peat pellets inside classroom.

10 x 10 sounds small, but becomes very large when preparing, planting, and maintaining. I would go much smaller, perhaps half. A small success is much more re-warding than a large failure!

Also check what can be planted in Aug-Sept and harvested late fall. Many are the cooler weather crops as those mentioned above. You can add broccoli, cauliflower, greens, carrots, beets and more.
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Susan Wallace

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. Oliver Wendell Holmes

Antoine · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 9:40 am Post subject:

Another thought is to establish exactly where the garden will be with the school authorities and get the soil ready in the fall.

Consider the stuff that will mature in the spring like root veges and spring peas and onions and turnips. You know, the food they grew back then. I would bet the county extension agency would trip over themselves trying to help.
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Morgan · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 12:47 pm Post subject:

Susan wrote:

Quote:

Also check what can be planted in Aug-Sept and harvested late fall

Duh! Thanks Susan, my mind was so fixed on early spring that I didn't even think about late summer early fall crops! I've GOT to remember to start going to my thoughtful spot BEFORE I ask questions...think, think, think. Laughing

Morgan

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"Here is my creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped."
Benjamin Franklin
TMA Member #503
http://colonialbackwoods.proboards83.com/index.cgi?

Mike Rumping · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 4:02 pm Post subject:

Do the raised beds the Indian way, with the 3 sisters, corn, beans, and squash. Besides, it'll be fun for them to rake up the beds into a square.
Mike

Susan · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 7:13 am Post subject:

On the 3 sisters idea, seasonal timing is totally off. They are hot weather crops, planted late April, May here, grow and mature in summer. I have not seen it worked in raised beds as we know them (rectangles), but more in mounds.
Morgan, I do suggest you talk to people who do garden and get ideas for spring and fall crops, especially what works in your area. Be prepared to listen as gardeners love to talk about their work!
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In regards,
Susan Wallace

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lane · Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 281 Location: Summer Shade, KY

Francois Labiche · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 12:42 pm Post subject:

I went to Public school in New York City... we planted radishes in DIXIE cups. They grew and we were able to eat them before school ended for the summer.

Radishes and Lettuse are fast early crops.
Bonne chance with your project.
F.
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