Science Enrichment-Gardening

The beginning of school means taking care of a summer of neglected gardens. (Maybe we can just call it “allowing them to lie fallow”.) First lessons learned are 1) pull it up by the roots or it comes back, and 2) “No. Once a zinnia is pulled up, it doesn’t do much good to replant […]

The beginning of school means taking care of a summer of neglected gardens. (Maybe we can just call it “allowing them to lie fallow”.) First lessons learned are 1) pull it up by the roots or it comes back, and 2) “No. Once a zinnia is pulled up, it doesn’t do much good to replant it.”
On a more serious note, I’ve been very impressed with the zeal they have attacked weeding out their beds, and the enthusiasm they’ve displayed at our unexpected harvest of lovely, yummy carrots hidden among those weeds.
Classes are also taking their winter/fall crop planning seriously. They’ve voted to devote their class beds to one type of crop only; 5th grade has already called dibs on lettuce and we plan to experiment using a “mini greenhouse” hoop system to see how we can extend our growing season.  Third grade plans on growing some of the largest collards you’ve ever seen!
Current plans are for me or any willing parents to bring buckets of compost/composted manure  to lighten our compacted soils, to buy wheat straw or pine straw to mulch for weed control, and to have a “Pocket Change” funds drive to pay for our plants and supplies. (Clean out the couch, car floor board, and dryer top for loose change.) We’ll kick that off NEXT WEEK.
Meanwhile, we’ll be happy to take any donations of your raked and bagged/baled pine or wheat straw; blueberry, fig, or muscadine sprouts dug up and potted; or packs of winter crop seeds or plants.
Looking forward to another fun year of gardening and learning together!