Planting the Seeds—Our Next Generation
Posted: July 28, 2010
By Ann Bushman, Annie's Gardens and Greens Newsletter, June 2010
It's been really busy out here on the farm. In May, we had students from CFS Catholic School come out and tour. Kindergarteners up to the third graders joined us for a gorgeous morning outside in the garden. I greeted all thirty three of the students and asked them if they were ready to plant and they were!
Our tour took us through the greenhouses to see the plants that need more protection from the weather, and then out to the herb gardens where they were able to use all of their senses and try out a variety of herbs used in every day foods like pizza. Then we visited the cold frame and discussed vegetables and the children identified vegetable plants that were already up and producing. We were able to find enough fresh peas for everyone to sample.
From there we went to the garden. They were able to watch a tiller work up the ground before they began to plant in the soil. The children were put into groups of four and each group worked together planning potatoes, green beans, onions and leaf lettuce. This gave each of them the experience of planning a tuber, seeds, a bulb and transplanting. Each child was able to use a hoe, shovel, garden rake and trowel. Once all of the tools were put away, we walked back up to the greenhouse to wash our hands.
Then we had time for them to ask me questions. Each child was served a sample of veggies, French tarragon cookies and water. They also received a packet of seeds to take home and plan in their own garden.
Many of the children had planted gardens before which was nice to see. What make this experience different for them when they plant can a garden at home? I honestly don't know. They were given tools that were their size and although I kept putting up markers for them to follow…the rows are not straight. But that's okay. It was the hands-on experience that they are going to take away with them. Not whether their garden is looking pretty when we are done.
To finish this project off, I spoke with the principal at CFS, Katie Schmitt, and we will be getting together in the fall to set a time when we can bring in the harvested vegetable for the cooks to make a meal for the children.
I honestly believe there is no better life skill that you can teach your child (no matter how much they hate to pull weeds) than to produce their own food. We are very blessed here in Northeast Iowa to have the land and fertile soil to be able to produce our own food. Other states that have huge cities are not a lucky as we are.
