Garden Class is in Session

This week we did something a little different–we invited the upper elementary students to garden with the kindergarteners.  And what a wonderful idea this turned out to be because you see, there’s nothing better than student instruction to get the job done.  Well, that and a little sing-song from the garden coordinators!

First off we toured the garden–talk about excitement–have you ever seen a real live sunflower?  These things are amazing!  Huge, glorious and best of all, easy to grow.  At least in our magic school garden where everything grows easier than my home garden.  (But don’t get me started.)  Take a look for yourself as our sun beauties begin the process of awakening…

Then unfurl their long and luscious petals…

Followed by a burst of glorious sunshine–flower style!  I never realized I was such a fan of sunflowers until we grew them ourselves (kinda like kids and vegetables).

Can’t wait to harvest some sunflower seeds!  After admiring our flowers, we moved on to inspect the bean fort.  Look ma–our walls have beans!  Not to mention we get to walk around inside of it. 🙂

Next we took care of maintenance and weeded our carrots.  Pinch and pull, no tools allowed here!  Our babies are WAY too delicate for anything pokey and sharp.

And pull caterpillars from our black beans.  This fella was delighted with the prospect until he decided one bit him.  Though it could have been the thrill of the hunt that got him.  Not entirely sure.

Then it was time to plant our sweet onions.  Upper elementary demonstrated this feat while the younger ones looked on.  And as they worked, we discussed what comes next–

Caring for our garden.  Water, sun and food.  What do plants eat?  Why gross, stinky stuff of course!  Ask the kids.  They each received a voluntary whiff of fish emulsion.  Eweeeeee…..  Yuck is right!  But plants also like worm poop and blood meal and while you’re at it, why not serve up a little compost tea?  Makes for a well-rounded organic plant diet!

For this week’s lesson, check the Kid Buzz section:  Caring for your garden where it’s all about N-P-K!