The kids are breaking new ground and breaking a sweat (hopefully no bones!) as they move the garden—essentially creating a new one. 🙂 It’s the hardest part—physically speaking—but you’d never know it from these kids!
They went at the task with zeal and squeals, with upper elementary supervising the young kindergartners. Tools in use are a tricky thing at this age, but so long as you have PLENTY of adult supervision, the task can be managed.
Safely managed and productive to boot! Why, next week, when the middle school students roll their sleeves up, this area will be cleared and ready for planting. First on the agenda? Potatoes. (Last year’s crop was gorgeous, wouldn’t you agree?) This semester we’re going to grow our own French fries AND ketchup, too (think: tomatoes). How cool is that? And these will be the healthy kind of French fries and totally parent-approved.
How about joining us! If you’ve ever wanted to start your own garden, now’s the time to follow along as we go step-by-step through the process of beginning an in ground garden. Our first step was to choose a sunny location. You may have noticed we were tilling and removing the surface grass in partial shade, but in Florida, this is actually welcome. By 3:00pm our plants can use the break from the blazing heat! But if you live in a more moderate climate, stick with full sun. You and your plants will be better served. And don’t forget the water source! Be sure you have a reliable one nearby.
Second thing to do is remove the grass or whatever ground cover you may have and then till the soil. Now is a great time because most of the grass is dead or dormant. “Got snow?” Well then hit the ground running when it melts away this spring!
Depending on your soil quality, you may want to amend it with organic matter and/or composted cow manure. We intend to do both, because potatoes like cow poop and our soil is WAY sandy. Besides, we’ve been “growing” all that dirt. Now is its chance to **shine** in the spotlight!
So how about it? Grab your gloves and follow along!
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